Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the level of demand and supply for speech therapy and other supports for children with special needs; her view on the importance of early intervention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10655/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Demand for speech and language therapy in the health services is very significant, hence the substantial investment which has been provided over the last number of years. The number of speech and language therapists employed in the public health service has grown from 281 WTEs in 1997 to 654 WTEs at end December 2006, a 133% growth in that period. The Government has also committed to further investment in disability services via the multi-annual investment plan and this will see further increases in the speech and language therapy resources available.

A particular priority for the Department of Health and Children in recent years has been the expansion of the supply of therapy graduates, including speech and language therapists. In response to concerns regarding labour shortages, the Department of Health and Children commissioned a report from Dr. Peter Bacon and Associates on current and future supply and demand conditions to 2015 in the labour market for speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists (Bacon Report).

The Report was published in 2001 and arising from its recommendations additional courses in speech and language therapy providing 75 places were established in three universities. UCC, NUIG and UL each established courses in speech and language therapy with 25 places on each of the 3 courses. The first cohort of graduates from the UL masters level course in speech and language therapy graduated in 2005 and the first cohort from the bachelor degree programmes in UCC and NUIG will graduate this year. This investment represents an increase in training capacity of 300% in speech and language therapy. The total number of speech and language therapy training places now stands at 100, the level at which the Bacon Report recommended as being sufficient to meet current and future demand to 2015 for speech and language therapists.

The health service acknowledges the major importance of early intervention, hence the decision to initiate implementation of the Disability Act for children aged 0-5 on 1 June of this year. Under the multi-annual investment programme for people with disabilities 2006-2009, the sum of €12.5 million was provided in 2006 and a further €15 million is being provided in 2007 to enhance the level and range of multidisciplinary support services with the priority in both years being to enhance the assessment and support services to children with a disability.