Vol. 524 No. 2
424 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to establish a new training school for speech therapy in view of the increasing shortage of therapists within our health services; the discussions he has had with NUI Galway in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22133/00]
The present training 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, the terms of reference for a workforce planning study on physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists have been approved. The study follows the final report of the expert group on various health professions which was established by the Minister for Health and Children in accordance with Labour Court Recommendation 15515. The Higher Education Authority is represented on the steering group for the study which has now been commissioned and I understand that a report is expected by the end of the year.
As an interim measure in response to the shortage of speech and language therapists, arrangements have been made to increase the intake into the TCD course from three to 29 for the current academic year. No discussions have taken place between either my Department or the Higher Education Authority and NUI Galway in relation to this matter.
I will continue to liaise with my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, in order to ensure an adequate supply of health professionals for the education system generally.
