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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Radiation therapist shortage

Summary

Colm Burke raised a serious national shortage of radiation therapists, especially in Cork University Hospital, and warned that private-sector bonuses were draining staff.

We are way over time and have five Deputies remaining. We will take 30-second questions from each of them.

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I raise the issue on the shortage of radiation therapists. My understanding is that there is a 30% shortfall around the country. In fact, in Cork University Hospital, there is a 39% shortfall in radiation therapists. The basic issue is that while the Minister for higher education has met with me and with both University College Cork and Trinity College Dublin about growing the number of places, the problem now is that the private sector is offering bonuses to people who will sign up with it. There is a master's course in Cork that costs €12,000 per annum, therefore people are very attracted to this offer and are not coming into the HSE. Will the Government look at this issue?

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