Vol. 532 No. 3
165 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he has taken and the plans he has to increase the number of places at third level in order that demand for speech therapists among several health boards can be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7331/01]
The current 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, Dr. Peter Bacon has been commissioned to undertake a workforce planning study on therapists, including speech and language therapists. 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 and I understand that the report is expected in the near future.
As an interim response to the shortage of speech and language therapists, arrangements were made to increase the intake into the programme at Trinity College, Dublin, by three to 29 for the current academic year. My Department, in consultation with relevant third level institutions and the Higher Education Authority, has been exploring options for further increases and has been in touch with the Department of Health and Children regarding related issues including the question of clinical placements. Further discussions will be necessary on completion of the workforce planning study. I assure the Deputy that I will continue to liaise with my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, in order to ensure an adequate supply of speech therapists.
