The Deputy will be aware from my previous reply that matters in relation to the provision of health-related services, including speech and language therapy supports, should be directed to the Health Service Executive as the body with responsibility for the provision of such services. My Department provides an extensive range of supports for pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorder (SSLD). This includes provision for the establishment of special classes for pupils with SSLD in primary schools. The criteria for enrolment in a Special Class for pupils with SSLD is set out in my Department's Circular 0038/2007. Pupils who are not enrolled in a special class for SSLD and who meet the criteria for Specific Speech and Language Disorder, as outlined in my Department's Circular, may qualify for additional teaching support where he/she is enrolled in mainstream school. Pupils with mild speech and language difficulties may qualify for supplementary teaching support from within the school's general allocation of learning support/teaching support. It is a matter for individual schools to use their professional judgement to identify pupils who will receive this support and to use the resources available to the school to intervene at the appropriate level with such pupils. In all cases, regardless of where a pupil attends school, speech and language therapy services are provided for pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorder (SSLD) by the HSE. My Department has no responsibility or mandate for the Speech and Language service, which is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Health through the Health Service Executive (HSE). I will refer the matter relating to the provision of speech and language therapy to my colleague, the Minister for Health, for direct reply.
