Vol. 516 No. 2
140 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedures, if any, in place when a child is identified as being in need of speech and language therapy; the situation in regard to the provision of speech and language therapy for enrolled pupils in Dublin 3, 5 and 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7301/00]
Responsibility for the delivery of speech and language therapy services rests with the relevant health board. Where the need for such a service is identified in a school situation, application is made to the relevant health board to put the necessary service in place.
My Department does not have data on the level of speech therapy services currently available to pupils attending schools in the areas to which the Deputy refers.
I am aware that difficulties can arise from time to time in securing the necessary speech therapy services for children attending special classes established by my Department to cater for children with specific speech and language difficulties.
I have asked my officials to carry out a review of the general situation concerning the provision of speech therapy services in special schools and special classes, in consultation with the Department of Health and Children. My objective is to ensure that the system is in a position to respond in a positive and efficient manner to the speech therapy needs of all such children, including children attending the schools to which the Deputy refers.
