Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Oct 1992

Vol. 424 No. 1

Written Answers. - Speech Therapists.

Ivor Callely

Question:

28 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself that the number of speech therapists in Ireland is adequate to meet the needs of the health service; and, if not, the measures he proposes to take to remedy the situation.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

122 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a speech therapist for the Nano Nagle School for the Handicapped in Listowel, County Kerry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

128 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which speech therapy is available in the various health boards at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 122 and 128 together.

I am not satisfied with the current level of speech therapy provision generally and I have, taken steps to remedy the situation. I have reached agreement for six extra students to commence training at the School of Clinical Speech and Language Studies, at Trinity College Dublin, commencing with the forthcoming academic year 1992-93. The total student body will increase from some 80 students, currently spread over the four year degree programme, to 104 students as of the academic year 1995-96.

For the academic year 1992-93 my Department will provide funding for this enhanced student intake, while in subsequent years, the funding will be undertaken by the Department of Education through the aegis of the Higher Education Authority.

I am confident that the increased level of graduate output resulting from this important development will considerably ease difficulties in the area of speech and language therapy.

In addition I have established a Review Group on Physical and Sensory Disability to make recommendations for the expansion and improvement of services for people with a physical disability within the framework of the commitments in relation to the physically disabled contained in theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress. One of the matters to be addressed by the group will be the improvement of speech therapy services.

With regard to the position at the Nano Nagle School, I understand that the Southern Health Board who is responsible for the provision of speech therapy at the school, is concerned at the adequacy of the speech therapy service in its area. The board is currently examining the position and a detailed report will be made shortly to clarify the full extent of the deficit in the service and make recommendations as to how this situation might be improved.