Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The number of speech and language therapists appointed by the national recruitment service from 1 June 2016 to 5 August 2016 is 92. The appointments in 2016 to date have resulted in an increase of 86 whole-time speech and language therapists, based on the 2015 HSE employment census. Of the 92 whole-time equivalent speech and language therapists appointed this year, 43 were for social care, 33 were for primary care, seven were for acute services, eight were for mental health services and one was listed as being recruited for another service.

I take the Deputy's point on speech and language therapists and this is a very important issue. One must get in early with speech and language therapy and I accept the Deputy's argument, particularly with regard to young children. This will ensure that young children will develop right through into their teenage years. I am focusing much of my service plan on this but there are other issues relating to residential, day care and respite places. Within that top five, I tell people that speech and language is very important for me. During my Estimates meeting with the Minister, Deputy Harris, I received great support for this issue. I have also received support from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe. We accept the argument that we must do something radical and invest in speech and language therapists. That process has begun and I hope we will continue that work.

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