Deputy Martin Browne has highlighted that 722 children under the age of 17 are awaiting an initial assessment for speech and language therapy in Co Tipperary. The Cashel Based TD was given the detail in response to a parliamentary question – he called for an immediate plan to be put in place to address the number of children who are waiting for their initial speech and language therapy assessment. He said parents were very concerned about the delays – noting that in North Tipperary 528 children were waiting for assessment by February of this year. The number of South Tipperary was 194.
early intervention is crucial
‘The HSE has told me that with the onset of Covid, there was “a requirement to prioritise the level of services delivered during this period”. While I understand this, when it comes to speech and language needs in our children, early intervention is crucial.’
The data released to Deputy Browne shows that in Dec 2019 there were 12,788 children on the waiting list – this has increased to 16022 as of the end of Feb 2021 – the HSE has said that the pandemic has impacted on their operations and that full services would return as soon as is safe and practicable.
