Michael Ring
Question:100 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the way in which he will resolve the problem of a lack of speech therapists in County Mayo to prevent a backlog in the waiting lists. [4443/98]
Written Answers - Speech Therapy Services.
The development of speech and language therapy services is a priority and 31 additional posts of speech and language therapist have been created in the boards in the last four years.
Two hundred and eighty five thousand pounds has been allocated to the Western Health Board in 1998 for the development of services, including speech and language therapy services. The question of allocating funds for the provision of additional speech and language posts will be considered by the board in consultation with the local co-ordinating committee based on identified local priorities.
A new speech and language therapy unit was established in Castlebar in September 1997 which provides a speech and language therapy service to seven pupils. The board is also continuing its endeavours to recruit suitable locum cover for these services in Mayo. In the meantime the board's principal speech and language therapist will make every effort to ensure a level of service is provided to the urgent priority cases. Interviews have also been held for a speech and language therapist post in the Ballina area and the board expects to fill this position within the next few weeks.