asked the Minister for Health the diagnostic facilities available for speech and language handicapped persons; and if he considers the level of service adequate.
401.
Written Answers. - Speech and Language Handicapped Persons.
400.
asked the Minister for Health if he has received a submission from the Irish Association for Speech and Language Impaired; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 400 and 401, together.
Persons with speech or language defects are normally referred by their family doctor to an ENT consultant. The causes of language and speech defects are many and it may be necessary for the patient to see a number of different specialists before a comprehensive diagnosis is made.
While delays may occur from time to time, particularly where a number of specialists are involved, whether the existing level of diagnostic facilities are adequate would depend largely on the nature and extent of the individual patient's defect.
In this respect I am considering in detail a submission made by the Irish Association for Speech and Language Impaired and I hope to be in touch shortly with the association.