Frances Fitzgerald
Question:83 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education and Science his assessment of the availability of speech therapists to school going pupils compared to the estimated level of need. [7273/00]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Precise details of the level of speech therapy services available to school going children compared to the level of need for such services are not readily available in my Department. However, I am aware that difficulties have arisen from time to time in securing necessary speech therapy services for children attending special classes established by my Department to cater for children with speech and language difficulties.
The Deputy will be aware that responsibility for providing speech therapy services, including such services in schools, rests with the relevant health authority.
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 needs of all children requiring such service within the school system.