Question from Deputy David Cullinane - PQ 21676-26

To ask the Minister for Health the number of staff currently employed by the HSE or by HSE-funded agencies who are qualified to carry out assistive technology assessments; the number qualified to set up assistive technology devices for clients; whether her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is currently only one person in the Central Remedial Clinic carrying out both of these functions; the steps being taken to increase capacity in this area; if she will provide dedicated funding to train more occupational therapists in assistive technology in order to reduce waiting times and improve access for people who depend on these technologies on a daily basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter.