Gay Mitchell
Ceist:641 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the contents of a letter (details supplied). [2271/02]
Vol. 547 No. 1
641 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the contents of a letter (details supplied). [2271/02]
The provision of health-related services, including speech and language therapy, is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
In response to my concern regarding current labour shortages affecting the therapy professions nationwide, my Department commissioned a report from Dr. Peter Bacon and Associates on current and future supply and demand conditions in the labour market for certain professional therapists including speech and language therapists. The study, a comprehensive quantitative assessment of workforce requirements for qualified personnel in this area to 2015 was published on 25 July last. The report concludes that a major expansion is essential in the numbers of therapy professionals over the next 15 years, including a fourfold increase in speech and language therapists. This will require a significant increase in training places with a recommended annual increase of 75 course places for speech and language therapy.