Yesterday many of us went over to Buswell's Hotel where the Irish Cancer Society held an event to speak about its pre-budget submission on the many issues for cancer patients throughout the country. One of the issues I was struck by was raised by two radiation therapists I met there, one from Dublin and one from Galway. They spoke about the large shortfall in radiation therapists throughout the country. There is a 30% shortfall. This is leading to six radiation machines in our hospitals lying idle all the time. The outcome of this is that two in five cancer patients do not begin their radiation therapy in the recommended timeframe. This is a serious crisis for many people throughout the country. All of us know people who unfortunately get a cancer diagnosis, and timely intervention is vital.

The Minister has often spoken about additional services and additional machines being put in place but staffing is the problem. I understand that when he was Minister for Health, the Taoiseach announced there would be additional funding and spaces to educate additional radiation therapists. That never happened. That never got past the announcement. We need to see additional staff hired, from abroad if necessary, and in the meantime we need to train more people in this country to carry out this vital service.

There has always been a significant challenge with regard to the recruitment of specialists in radiation and radiation therapists and this is a factor. There has been investment in recruiting people but very often there can be a shortage of specific disciplines. Negotiations are under way involving the Higher Education Authority and the universities with a view to increasing the number of those in training from 30 to 50. This is, hopefully, nearing completion.

Is there a timeframe?

Hopefully, it is nearing completion and I will come back to the Deputy on that.