297 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the present position in regard to the number of children awaiting speech therapy treatment in County Kerry, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I understand from the Southern Health Board that about 500 children are awaiting speech therapy in County Kerry. There are three speech therapists employed in the area.

I am aware that there are difficulties about the level of speech therapy provision in certain parts of the country, including County Kerry. I intend to arrange for the early review of services including speech therapy services for people with physical disabilities. I will be bringing forward measures to improve services for people with disabilities on the basis of that review.