Jimmy Deenihan
Question:37 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health his views regarding the lack of a speech therapy service at Tralee General Hospital, County Kerry.
Written Answers. - Tralee (Kerry) Speech Therapy Service.
The provision of services at Tralee General Hospital is primarily a matter for the Southern Health Board which must have regard to its competing service priorities for the hospital and the resources available to meet them. I have received no proposals from the board in regard to the development of a speech therapy service at Tralee General Hospital.
The Deputy will be aware 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.