§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many hearing therapists are employed in Northern Ireland; and whether he has proposals to extend the services provided by hearing therapists in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. HanleyThere are two hearing therapists employed in Northern Ireland. The Regional Strategy for the Health and Personal Social Services in Northern Ireland (1992–97) identifies as a key area of concern the need to improve services for people suffering from sensory disability. Boards are required to ascertain the numbers and needs of sensorily impaired people in their populations and ensure access to specialist teams of staff to provide support for those with a hearing and/or visual impairment.