Vol. 554 No. 5
1123 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has conducted any review of the adequacy of the services, and in particular occupational therapy, for children with dyspraxia; the findings of any such review in relation to the adequacy of the service; and the plans he is developing to address this problem. [16594/02]
The provision of health related support services, including occupational therapy for children with dyspraxia, is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance.
My Department has not conducted and does not have any plans to conduct a review of the services available for children with dyspraxia. In response to my concern regarding the current labour shortages affecting the therapy professions nation-wide my Department commissioned a report from Dr. Peter Bacon and Associates on current and future supply and demand conditions in the labour market for certain professional therapists, including occupational therapists. The study, a comprehensive quantitative assessment of workforce requirements for qualified personnel in this area to 2015, was published on 25 July 2001.
The report concludes that a major expansion is essential in the numbers of therapy professionals over the next 15 years, including an increase of over 150% in occupational therapists. This will require a significant increase in training places with a recommended annual increase of 75 course places for occupational therapy. I am therefore working closely with my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, to ensure the rapid provision of the additional places as an urgent priority. To this end an inter-agency working group has been established comprising representatives of my Department, the Department of Education and Science and the Higher Education Authority, HEA.
In terms of services for people with physical and sensory disabilities, my Department, in conjunction with the Health Research Board, the health boards and the voluntary sector service providers, is currently implementing the national physical and sensory disability database, which, when complete, will provide an accurate picture of the service requirements, including the requirements for people with dyspraxia, in the sector. The database will enable services to be planned and delivered in a co-ordinated and efficient manner to provide an effective and seamless service to people with physical and sensory disabilities.
