asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to claims made by the Special Interest Group of Speech Therapists in Mental Handicap, that mentally handicapped children receiving speech therapy commonly face a wait of 12 months between appointments with therapists; if he intends to take any steps to increase the number of speech therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Mentally Handicapped Children.
28.
Services for the mentally handicapped have received priority status in the allocation of funds for the past three years.
In addition the recent decision to reactivate the regional mental handicap committees in the health board region will facilitate better organisation and co-ordination of services and better prioritising of any unmet need such as that identified in the discussion document "Communication Needs" on speech therapy services.