Vol. 534 No. 1
160 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the high drop-out rate of students studying speech therapy and the steps which need to be taken to ensure future supply of speech therapists. [10213/01]
The following is the most up-to-date information available to me on those studying speech and language therapy in Trinity College, Dublin. Of the 26 students who entered Trinity College, Dublin, in the academic year 1999-2000, only one withdrew from the course and of the remaining 25 who took first year exams, 92% passed. There were 21 graduates from the course in the year 2000. This was out of a total of 25 who entered in 1996. Two others from that 25 are expected to graduate in 2001, giving an overall completion rate of 92%. Therefore the drop-out rate in the clinical speech and language studies course is low, in comparison to other courses.
For the Deputy's information, Trinity College, Dublin, has clarified that the drop-out rate cited in a recent newspaper article was a misprint and that three students, rather than five, have withdrawn from the course this year. Trinity College, Dublin, points out that attrition rates amongst first year, third-level students are traditionally higher than for any other year of a course.
