177. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health his views on the development of a role of ‘enhanced practitioner’ grade in radiation therapy, a level of practice after ‘clinical specialist radiation therapist’ and before ‘advanced practice radiation therapist’, as is the case in other jurisdictions, and as recommended by the Radiation Therapist Review Working Group report of July 2024, to help alleviate the pressure in the healthcare system of staff deficits and radiation oncology centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39512/24]

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the important role of Radiation Therapists in the provision of cancer services in this country.

I note the recently completed Radiation Therapy Review and the considerations in this strategic review such as organisation structure, career development in line with Health and Social Care Professional Frameworks, strategic workforce planning, and recruitment and retention strategies.

As the terms of reference for the review state, the implementation of any recommendations from the review will remain subject to the approval from the Departments of Health and Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. Recommendations arising from the Radiation Therapist Review refer to the grade of Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist.

The Department of Health is developing the Policy on Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care Professions. The recommendation of the Radiation Therapist Review Working Group to develop Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist roles will be linked with the development and implementation of this policy.