John Bruton
Question:342 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans regarding the shortage of speech therapists in the country and especially in County Meath. [29039/01]
Vol. 544 No. 3
342 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans regarding the shortage of speech therapists in the country and especially in County Meath. [29039/01]
In response to my concern regarding current severe labour shortages affecting the therapy professions nationwide my Department commissioned a report from Dr. Peter Bacon and Associates on current and future supply and demand conditions in the labour market for certain professional therapists, including speech and language therapists. The study, a comprehensive quantitative assessment of work force requirement for qualified personnel in these areas to 2015, was published on 25 July last.