More action sought on Speech and Language services in Leitrim

Calls for enhanced Speech and Language services have yet again been raised by members of Leitrim County Council.

Cllr Sean McGowan proposed a motion during the meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District urging the HSE to provide details on the available services in south Leitrim, and emphasised the need to fill vacant positions in the area.

“When I was out canvassing during the General Election, a number of people brought this to my attention about the lack of Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) available in south Leitrim. I believe there’s a number of vacancies that haven’t been filled out.

“It’s leaving parents and their children in a very difficult situation, and I suppose children need to be brought in at a young age if they have these problems,” Cllr McGowan said.

“I call on the HSE to lift the embargo and allow the HSE to employ the people as the service is badly, badly needed,” he added.

Cllr Paddy Farrell, a member of the HSE forum, noted he raised the issue at a meeting where he was told the situation would improve by the end of the year, but this has not occurred.

This issue has been raised repeatedly by council members.

Push for clarity on funding and staffing for Speech and Language Services in Leitrim

Cllr Maeve Reynolds expressed disappointment with the HSE's response on SLT staffing shortages in Sligo/Leitrim, South Donegal, and West Cavan.

In September, Cllr Maeve Reynolds highlighted the significant shortages in SLT. 

In November she received a letter back from the Head of Services for Primary Care stating that the service is continuing to examine opportunities to prioritise recruitment and in order to respond to the needs of the population, however, there has not been any improvement in staffing levels since Cllr Reynolds raised the issue in September.

Unsatisfied with the response, she proposed that a letter be forwarded to Bernard Gloster,  Chief Executive of the HSE.

“The HSE has said it’s not the embargo that’s the problem that has been lifted,” Cllr Reynolds said.

“The last Council meeting said the response wasn’t adequate and asked that a letter be forwarded to Bernard Gloster.”

However, it will be January by the time the Council will receive a response.

“All of this was needed years back,” commented Cllr Guckian. “Children in Ireland including those with autism and similar conditions have just been ignored.”

Councillors will await a response from Bernard Gloster in January before taking further action.

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