Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 4

Written Answers. - Speech and Language Studies.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

547 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of additional training places provided for speech and language therapists in each of the past three academic years; the number of additional places to be provided in the coming academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23300/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The current training for speech therapists involves a four year programme in the school of clinical speech and language studies at Trinity College Dublin. Graduates of the course are professionally recognised as speech and language therapists. The Department of Health and Children commissioned a report from Dr. Peter Bacon and associates on current and future supply and demand conditions in the labour market for physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists. Pending the completion of the Bacon report as an interim response to the shortage of speech and language therapists, arrangements were made to increase the intake into the programme at Trinity College Dublin by three to 29 for the 2000-01 academic year.

The Bacon report was launched in July 2001 and it concluded that a major expansion in the numbers of therapy professionals was essential over the next 15 years. In relation to speech and language therapy training places, the report recommends an annual increase of 75 training places. An inter-agency working group, compris ing officials of the two Departments and the Higher Education Authority, has been established to pursue as a priority the issues arising from the report. The Higher Education Authority has invited institutions to submit proposals for the expansion of existing courses and-or the introduction of new courses, including graduate entry programmes. The closing date for receipt of such proposals is 15 October. I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to liaise with my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, to ensure an adequate supply of speech and language therapists.