Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 2

Written Answers. - Balbriggan (Dublin) Speech Therapy Services.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

32 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health when a speech therapist is to be provided for Balbriggan, County Dublin, in view of the size of the town, the fact that Skerries now has the services of two speech therapists and the difficulty in travelling to Skerries where a single fare for one adult by bus costs £1.10; and if he will recommend that the position of speech therapist become more mobile to alleviate the problems associated with travel for a parent accompanied by very small children on a regular basis.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

Primary responsibility for the provision of speech therapy services in Balbriggan rests with the Eastern Health Board. The intention is to improve the provision of services to persons in Balbriggan as soon as additional therapists are recruited. Interviews for additional staff have been held lately. I would hope that, the necessary additional staff would be in place shortly.