Speech and Language Therapy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020

Tuesday, 17 November 2020

Questions (687, 688)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

687. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the number of children nationally who are waiting for an assessment for speech and language therapy in tabular form. [36397/20]

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

688. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the length of time children nationally are waiting to see a therapist for speech and language in tabular form. [36398/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 687 and 688 together.

The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.

The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.

As these questions relate to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.