Over 2,000 children awaiting initial speech and language therapy in Kerry and Cork

Over 2,000 (2,295) children are awaiting initial speech and language therapy (SLT) from the HSE in Kerry and Cork.

Figures in the Irish Examiner show there are more children waiting for initial SLT in the south west region than any other area in the country.

The Kerry and Cork area also has the longest waiting list of any region for further SLT, with almost 3,500 (3,411) children waiting.

According to the paper, almost 5,000 people around the country have been waiting over a year for their initial SLT, with over 6,500 people waiting more than 12 months for further SLT.