Cecilia Keaveney
Question:110 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health the current number of speech therapists working in Inishowen, County Donegal; and the waiting lists for such a facility. [3055/97]
Written Answers. - Speech Therapy Service.
, Limerick East): The provision of speech and language therapy in Inishowen is a matter for the North-Western Health Board. There is an approved complement of two speech and language therapists for this area. However, a vacancy exists since June 1996 which the board has been unable to fill to date. Efforts are continuing to find a suitable candidate for the post. Additional cover is being provided and there is the equivalent of 1.2 therapists working in the area at present.
There are currently 20 people on the waiting list for speech and language therapy services. The waiting period is two to three months for assessment and two to four months for treatment. Priority cases are seen for assessment within a week.