Jimmy Deenihan
Question:193 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health if he will sanction a speech therapist for Nano Nagle Special School, Listowel, County Kerry.
Written Answers. - Listowel (Kerry) Special School.
Responsibility for the provision of speech therapy services in this school rests with the Southern Health Board. I understand that the health board is not in a position to provide a speech therapy service for this school with its current staff complement. The board employs three speech therapists in County Kerry — one principal and two basic grades. The board recently made an application to my Department for the appointment of additional speech therapists and this is being examined in the context of other applications for staff improvements in the board's area.
I recently announced that I am making available £1.5 million this year for improvements in services to people with physical and sensory disabilities. My Department is having consultations with health boards and other agencies and it is my intention that a proportion of the additional funding will be devoted to improving and expanding community based therapy services, including speech therapy.