Vol. 529 No. 1
632 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to offer more speech training courses in universities nationally to meet the demand for speech therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1605/01]
My Department engaged Dr. Peter Bacon and Associates to undertake a work force planning study to report on the prospective supply and demand for a number of therapy grades, including speech and language therapists. Among the matters that this report will address is the number of additional training places required by these professions. This report is expected within the coming weeks.
In the interim, progress has been made in increasing the number of training places for speech and language therapists and an additional eight places have been made available by the colleges for the October 2000 intake of students.
I am committed to taking all appropriate steps to promote the recruitment and retention of health services staff, including speech and language therapists. When the work force planning study is to hand, I will be considering all possible options to encourage qualified speech and language therapists to work in the Irish system, including those working abroad.
