Rory O'Hanlon
Ceist:113 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health the number of speech therapists per 1,000 of population in each community care area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22920/96]
Written Answers. - Speech Therapy Service.
Limerick East): The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. The eight regional health boards will be contacted with a request to furnish the detailed information required and on receipt of same I shall communicate with the Deputy as soon as possible.
Rory O'Hanlon
Ceist:114 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health if he has consulted with third-level colleges or the Higher Education Authority regarding the insufficient number of speech therapists; the plans, if any, he has to increase the number available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22921/96]
Limerick East): In 1992, in an effort to assist the development of speech and language therapy services, my Department arranged for six extra training places to be provided at the School of Clinical Speech and Language Studies, at Trinity College Dublin, commencing in the 1992-93 academic year. This allowed the total student body to increase in phases from 80 students in 1993 to 104 students in 1995-96. The increased level of graduate output resulting from this development has assisted in improving speech and language therapy services in recent years, with the recruitment of 28 additional therapists in the last three years. Notwithstanding these improvements, it is clear the service requires further development. This issue will be given careful consideration in the context of the report of the review group on services for people with physical and sensory disabilities which has examined speech and language therapy services amongst its review of health services generally for people with disabilities.