Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 1

Written Answers. - Graduate Numbers.

Seán Barrett

Question:

57 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of educational psychologists and speech therapists graduating from third level colleges; and if these numbers are sufficient to meet the need projected for these services. [25220/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The present provision for speech therapists involves a four year programme in the school of clinical speech and language studies at Trinity College Dublin. Graduates of the course are professionally recognised as speech and language therapists. The number of graduates from the course over the last three years was 1996-97, 19; 1997-98, 25; and 1998-99, 25.

I understand that the expert group, established in accordance with Labour Court Recommendation No. 15515 to examine issues relating to certain paramedic grades, including speech therapists, is expected to report to the Minister for Health and Children by the end of 1999. The group will include consideration of the adequacy of graduate output and training arrangements. In the course of the group's work the employers acknowledged that there were recruitment difficulties with some of the paramedic grades and officials of the Department of Health and Children have met with the heads of the schools and are currently planning a manpower exercise to address these difficulties.

The number of psychology graduates in 1997, the latest figures available is as follows; 168 graduated with a primary degree, and 53 graduated with a higher degree. Of the higher degree graduands, six graduated with an MA in educational psychology.