Speech and Language Therapy Provision

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

Questions (2014)

Catherine Martin

Question:

2014. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there has not been a sufficient increase in the speech and language therapy allocation for an organisation (details supplied) to cater for the steady increase in the number of children requiring this support as per the response from the HSE to Question No. 709 of 8 May 2019 and that there is no funding stream in place to deal with filling vacancies arising due to maternity leave for the support; his plans to increase funding for the supports corresponding to the increase in the number of children requiring the supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34622/19]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.