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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Speech Therapy Service.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

555 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children his proposals in regard to the crisis in the Waterford community care area of the South-Eastern Health Board in relation to chronic shortages of speech and language therapists and occupational therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20416/02]

Responsibility for the provision of speech and language therapy services in the Waterford community care area rests with the South-Eastern Health Board. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply to him directly.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

556 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the establishment of the speech and language therapy assistant grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20417/02]

The proposed introduction of a grade of therapy assistant into the health service was among a number of recommendations contained in the report of the expert group on various health professionals published in April 2000. This new grade is intended to complement the roles of the major therapy professions, including speech and language therapy, and its development and introduction will be progressed by my Department as part of the continuing implementation of the expert group report.

Question No. 557 answered with Question No. 541.

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