Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 340: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the numbers on the waiting lists for initial assessments for children referred to the speech and language therapy services in each of the Counties Cavan, Monaghan and Louth; the numbers in each case who have been waiting more than three months; the staffing levels and the actual in attendance levels in each of the speech and language therapy teams, that is excluding those on approved leave; if a staffing shortage exists; if steps will be taken to recruit temporary cover speech and language therapists across the named counties, to be followed by approval for further full-time appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15835/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan has not had their initial assessment by a speech and language therapist in the Louth service, having been listed for same since 25 August 2008; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the County Louth speech and language therapy service, like the services in Counties Cavan and Monaghan and throughout the State, is under staffed due to her ban on recruiting temporary replacement staff for therapists on maternity, parental or other longer-term leave; if she has informed herself of the efforts of those staff attempting to provide for the needs of all children referred to this service; the action she will take to address this deficiency in service provision that can have consequences for some children now and in later life; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15836/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 341 together.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.