Mary Wallace
Question:54 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health the number of speech therapists provided in each health board region; his views on whether this provision is adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20767/96]
Written Answers - Speech Therapists.
Mary Wallace
Question:55 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to expand and develop language units attached to health board regions; and his views on whether current arrangements are adequate. [20768/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 55 together. The number of whole time equivalent speech and language therapists at 31 December 1995 in each health board area are set out in the table under:
|
Health Board |
Speech and Language Therapists (W.T.E.) |
|
Eastern |
101.13 |
|
Midland |
17.7 |
|
Mid-West |
22.85 |
|
North Eastern |
17.62 |
|
North Western |
16.15 |
|
South Eastern |
28.38 |
|
Southern |
23.34 |
|
Western |
21.72 |
|
Total |
248.89 |
As I have informed the House on previous occasions, I am concerned at the inadequacy of speech and language therapy services. I am glad to report that services have improved in recent years and that health boards have viewed its development as a priority with the recruitment of 28 additional therapists in the last three years. Notwithstanding these improvements, it is clear that services require further developments. This issue will be given careful consideration in the context of the Report of the Review Group on Services for People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities which has examined speech and language therapy services among its review of health services generally for people with disabilities.