There is a severe shortage of radiation therapists in the HSE. I put down a number of written questions asking for a progress report but the only response I have got is that there is a review ongoing in the Workplace Relations Commission. Despite a real crisis in the sector, very little progress has been made in getting this review up and running. Approximately half of people with a cancer diagnosis will require radiation therapy and this can only be delivered by a radiation therapist. For the north west, that service is mainly delivered in Galway. Approximately 15% of radiation therapist positions are vacant and that number is rising rather than falling because of poor pay and poor career opportunities. This is not just about staff, however. It is about timely quality care for cancer sufferers. Will the Minister ensure there is no delay in finalising the review?

I am not familiar with the detail of this issue in respect of radiation therapists but I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, who will get an answer from the HSE and revert to Deputy Harkin. I will make the point that we have increased overall staffing numbers in healthcare by 15,000 over the past two years. This is the biggest increase in staff since the HSE was established and includes 4,500 nurses and midwives, 2,300 health and social care professionals and 1,400 doctors and dentists. The Deputy has highlighted a particular issue. We will follow up on it and revert to her.