Pat Rabbitte
Question:187 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the waiting list for speech therapy at the Millbrook Lawns Health Centre, Tallaght; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Speech Therapy Waiting List.
There are currently 294 children on the waiting list for speech therapy in Tallaght. There are five speech therapy posts currently vacant and the Eastern Health Board has made a number of unsuccessful attempts to fill them. The board is currently advertising for speech therapists. At presents the equivalent of 3.5 speech therapists are employed in the Tallaght area.
I am aware that there are difficulties about the level of speech therapy provision in certain areas of the country. I intend to establish a group to review the services for people with physical disabilities. The provision of speech therapy will be considered in that context.