Children are being denied access to speech and language therapy because of staff shortages.
On Lunchtime Live, Eoghan O’Byrne, Principal of St Mary’s National School in Limerick described it as a “nationwide issue” but said the shortage was particularly acute in the Treaty City.
“It’s actually my local primary care centre as well,” he said.
“My two little boys, they have a speech and language therapy issue.
“Unfortunately, there’s no speech and language therapy in place at the moment.
“That will have a detrimental issue on them.”
Mr O’Byrne said he is “fortunate enough” to earn an “okay” salary in his job.
However, he added that not everyone in the area is as lucky as he is.
“Many people in the locality just don’t have the financial backing in their account to do that,” he said.
“For over the last three-and-a-half years, families have faced unacceptable delays accessing crucial supports.”
Main image: A girl at a therapy session. Picture by: Valerii Honcharuk / Alamy. 7 August 2019
