Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Speech Therapy Service.

Liam Aylward

Question:

682 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if he is satisfied that adequate speech therapy is being provided for persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will arrange to have additional speech therapists appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2650/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Between 1998 and 2000 additional funding amounting to 1.128 million was allocated to the South Eastern Health Board for the enhancement of health related support services, including speech and language therapy, to children with autism. Further additional funding amounting to 0.571million was made available to the board between 2001 and this year for these services for children with an intellectual disability and autism. The allocation of this additional funding is a matter in the first instance for the South Eastern Health Board.

The Deputy, however, will be aware that many health boards and specialist service providers have been experiencing difficulties in recruiting allied health professionals and specifically speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists. This is due primarily to the general shortage of available staff in these grades nationally. Health boards and agencies have been and are continuing to undertake intensive recruitment drives both at home and abroad. My Department has also asked the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority to explore other approaches which might result in the maintenance of an existing level of service provision or an enhancement in line with agreed service developments using the resources allocated to the services.

My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.