Ivor Callely
Ceist:92 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if he intends to improve the service for speech and language disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18126/95]
Written Answers. - Speech and Language Therapy Services.
, Limerick East): As I have informed the House on previous occasions, I am concerned about the adequacy of speech and language therapy services generally and regard the expansion of such services as a priority.
The provision of speech and language therapy is the responsibility of the health boards. All boards recognise the need to improve this service. Additional revenue funding of £1.5 million was made available in 1993 and again in 1994 for the development of services for people with physical disabilities. In 1995, additional revenue funding of £2 million was provided for these services. I am pleased to report that in the last three years, boards have allocated £695,000 to the development of speech and language therapy services including £300,000 in 1995. This additional funding has allowed the recruitment of 28 speech and language therapists as well as the purchase of additional speech and language therapy equipment.
The Deputy will appreciate that in the light of competing demands for development of other services for people with physical and sensory disabilities, improvements in the speech and language therapy services can only come about on a phased basis.