Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Speech Therapy Service.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1190 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself with the level of speech therapy provided to school going children; the discussions which have taken place with the Department of Health and Children in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1608/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I am aware that there have been ongoing difficulties in relation to the delivery of adequate speech therapy services to children in schools. I have brought my concerns in this regard to the attention of the Minister for Health and Children.

The Department of Health and Children has commissioned Dr. Peter Bacon to undertake a workforce planning study on therapists, including speech and language therapists. The Higher Education Authority is represented on the steering group for the study and I understand that a report is expected in the near future. As an interim measure in response to the shortage of speech and language therapists, the intake into the programme at Trinity College, Dublin, has been increased to 29 for the current academic year. My Department is continuing to liaise with the Department of Health and Children on this matter and will give positive consideration to any recommendations in relation to the training of additional speech therapists which may arise from the review to ensure that adequate services are available to all children within the school system who require them.