Local Speech and Language post vacant for three years

Independent TD Carol Nolan has said the latest HSE update she has received on the Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) vacancy for adults with intellectual disabilities in Laois and Offaly reveals the depth of the crisis that is developing within core disability services.

The reply confirms that the single whole‑time equivalent SLT post for the region has remained unfilled since May 2023, and that repeated efforts to recruit through existing panels have failed because “no‑one has accepted this post when it has been offered out.”

The HSE has further stated that it cannot indicate when the vacancy will be resolved, as any progress depends entirely on panel availability and whether individuals are willing to take up the role.

Deputy Nolan said the update makes clear that adults with intellectual disabilities have been left without any Speech and Language Therapy provision for more than three years, with no temporary arrangements put in place to bridge the gap.

She said the prolonged absence of the service has created a situation in which people’s needs are simply not being met, and where families and providers are being forced to manage without the specialist support that should be routinely available.

The Offaly TD said the lack of any timeline for restoring the service underscores how far the situation has drifted from what could reasonably be considered acceptable:

“The HSE’s acknowledgement that it cannot provide even an indicative timeframe is deeply concerning to me, particularly given the length of time the vacancy has already persisted,” Deputy Nolan said.

“It is essential that the Minister and the HSE set out how many adults have been left without assessment or therapy since May 2023, and what measures will be taken to prevent similar breakdowns in other disability supports,” Deputy Nolan said.

“The situation has moved far beyond an administrative difficulty. It now represents a clear inability to uphold basic standards of care. We have to get to the bottom of why no one wants to work or perhaps even apply for this position. Something has gone dreadfully wrong for such a situation to arise.”

“40 months without a key post being filled is an alarm bell we need to heed. I will continue to pursue this matter with the Minister and the HSE to see what can be done to resolve it as a matter of urgency,” concluded Deputy Nolan.