Deirdre Clune
Question:797 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of speech and language therapists trained to the recognised professional standards each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17415/99]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
The present provision for speech therapists involves a four year programme in the school of clinical speech and language studies at Trinity College, Dublin. Graduates of the course are professionally recognised as speech and language therapists. The number of graduates from the course over the last three years was:
|
1996/97 |
1997/98 |
1998/99 |
|
19 |
25 |
25 |
I understand that the expert group, established in accordance with Labour Court Recommendation No. 15515 to examine issues relating to certain paramedic grades, including speech therapists, is expected to report to the Minister for Health and Children by the end of 1999.