Brian O'Shea
Ceist:98 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made regarding the establishment of the speech and language therapy assistant grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23563/01]
Written Answers. - Speech Therapy Service.
The introduction of the grade of therapy assistant to the health service was among a number of recommendations in the report of the expert group on various health professionals. It was intended to complement the roles of the major therapy professions, including speech and langu age therapy. Its development and introduction will be progressed by my Department as part of the continuing implementation process of that expert group report.