Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Mar 1990

Vol. 396 No. 6

Written Answers. - Speech Therapists.

Bernard Allen

Question:

185 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health the number and location of speech therapists operating in the Southern Health Board area; the number working in (a) Cork city (b) Cork County and (c) County Kerry; the number of persons requiring speech therapy in each of these areas; if the numbers are expected to meet the needs of the people in the current year; if he will outline his intentions in relation to the provision of an adequate service in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

At present there are 15 speech therapists employed by the Southern Health Board and by voluntary organisations supported by State funds. Of these, ten serve community care areas Cork city-south Cork and west Cork, one serves Cork county north and four serve County Kerry. I am seeking up-dated figures on the numbers awaiting treatment in the areas referred to and I will communicate with the Deputy in the matter.

The Southern Health Board has created two additional posts, one in Cork city and south Cork and one in Kerry and steps are being taken to fill these posts.