Troy: 150 children on speech and language waiting list in Mullingar

Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has said it is unacceptable that 150 children in Mullingar are on the health service’s speech and language waiting list.

The HSE confirmed to Deputy Troy, in response to a parliamentary question, that there are currently three whole-time equivalent (WTE) speech and language therapist in post in the CDNT Mullingar, and an additional four WTE speech and language vacant posts, which they are “actively recruiting”.

The health service also said there are 150 children awaiting initial contact from the Speech and Language Department.

“These numbers will reduce considerably once the vacant WTEs have been successfully recruited,” the HSE stated.

Deputy Troy said: “It is entirely unacceptable that 150 children in Mullingar are waiting for speech and language therapy. Many concerned parents have contacted me about the situation. There are four vacant speech and language posts, and that is causing great difficulties for children.

“I welcome the commitment from the HSE that they will fill the posts but I do not understand why that has not been done to date. There is no reason they can’t be filled. The HSE needs to prioritise recruitment for these roles.

“We know that early and timely intervention for children with additional needs can improve their long-term development.”