Vol. 445 No. 7
59 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the number of speech therapists available through his Department and the health boards; his views on whether the number is adequate; and the proposals, if any, he has in this regard. [448/94]
128 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has for the improvement of speech therapy services throughout the country; if his attention has been drawn to the current need with regard to improvement of the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1001/94]
157 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health whether the ratio of speech therapists to population in this country is in keeping with internationally accepted norms; the proposals, if any, he has for meeting such criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1003/94]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59, 128 and 158 together.
There were approximately 205 whole time equivalent speech therapists employed directly by the health boards, voluntary hospitals and the main mental handicap agencies at 31 December 1993. International norms vary greatly and are not necessarily relevant in an Irish context. I have been aware of the need to strengthen speech therapy service provision and I have allocated additional funding to the expansion of these services over the past two years. In 1993, almost £200,000 of the £1.5 million additional funding for services for people with a physical disability was allocated to this service and a further £150,000 has been allocated this year. The current figure of 213 represents an increase of 45 on the December 1991 figure.
