Vol. 403 No. 4
214 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health if this attention has been drawn to the lack of speech therapy services throughout the country, with particular reference to the South Eastern Health Board area where a person (details supplied) in County Wexford cannot go to primary school because of inadequate speech, and has no prospect of any service from the health board; and the steps he proposes to take to rectify the situation.
I am aware that there is concern about the present level of speech therapy services. However it is a matter for each health board to assess the needs for different categories of health personnel in their area and to apportion the resources available to them in accordance with their priorities.
With regard to the particular case raised by the Deputy, I have referred the details to the chief executive officer, South Eastern Health Board with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy.
