Michael Ring
Question:229 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of speech therapists in County Mayo; the number assigned to the health board; and the number with the Western Care Association. [26111/99]
Written Answers - Speech Therapy Service.
Michael Ring
Question:230 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the average recommended amount of times a child with Down's syndrome should receive speech therapy. [26112/99]
Michael Ring
Question:231 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children in County Mayo receiving speech therapy through the Western Care Association and the Western Health Board; and the waiting list, if any, for children to get this therapy. [26113/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 229, 230 and 231 together.
Responsibility for the provision of speech and language therapy services in County Mayo is a matter, in the first instance, for the Western Health Board.
I understand from the board that there are eight speech and language therapists and one principal speech and language therapist in the Mayo community care services. Three speech and language therapists are employed by the Western Care Association.
Speech and language therapy services are provided to 240 children through Western Care. The board provides services to a further 900. I am informed by the board that there is a waiting list of approximately 160 children for this service.
With regard to the Deputy's question concerning the average recommended number of sessions of speech and language therapy recommended for children with Down's syndrome, this would depend on the extent of each child's language delay when compared with performance skills. It is, therefore, not possible to give an exact reply to this question.