579. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will commit to implementing recommendation eight of the National Radiation Therapist Review report (details supplied); if not, to outline his rationale; the engagements he has had with third level institutions in respect of this recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41007/24]

The Minister for Health fully supports the need to train more radiation therapists. There are radiation therapist vacancies across radiation oncology centres and it is necessary to ensure that we train enough graduates with the skills to support the delivery of health and social care, including Radiation Therapy services.

The independent review of the Radiation Therapist profession has been finalised. This strategic review considered important issues such as organisation structure, career development in line with Health and Social Care Professional Frameworks, strategic workforce planning and recruitment and retention strategies. This review has published 16 recommendations which aim to help and support the Radiation Therapy profession into the future. 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 and Reform.

With regard to Recommendation 8 and clinical practice supports, I am committed to working with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to ensure the delivery of expansion of student training places in Radiation Therapy and ensuring there are clinical learning support hours funded at each of the five public radiotherapy facilities at Galway University Hospital, Cork University Hospital and three sites in Dublin through the St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network (SLRON). There are currently 1.5 WTE Radiation Therapy practice tutors funded through the Higher Education Authority.

Engagement with third level institutions is led by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and Department of Health officials are working with officials in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research and Science with regard to the expansion in student training places and the associated clinical placement hours required.

My Department will work with the Health Service Executive with regard to establishing clinical learning supports aligned with clinical placement provision on each of the five sites.