Organisation of SLT in the country

The majority of SLT services are delivered through the public service i.e. health boards and voluntary agencies.  While the majority of SLTs are employed in health, they also provide services to education.  There is limited private practice.

Education / training  

There are two types of programmes:

•  Undergraduate BSc (Hons) 4 year programme in three universities i.e. University of Dublin, Trinity College; University College Cork*; National University of Ireland, Galway*

•  Postgraduate MSc 2 year programme in one university i.e. University of Limerick*

* new programmes with first intake of students in 2003

Authorisation / license / recognition of diploma

The IASLT
• evaluates, accredits and monitors speech and language therapy training courses;
• examines and validates the qualifications of speech and language therapists who wish to come to Ireland to work.

Recognition of professional qualifications obtained abroad

Overseas committee of IASLT, on behalf of the Department of Health and Children, examines and validates qualifications obtained abroad and DOHC.

Income/salary

Basic Speech and Language Therapist 32,096-42,758 euros

Senior Speech and Language Therapist 42,674 – 50,514 euros

Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist 47,366 – 55,207

Speech and Language Therapy Manager 51,753 – 61,987

Chief 3 in Speech and Language Therapy*

* This is a new grade which has not yet been implemented in Ireland

Professional association

The Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists is the recognised professional body for speech and language therapists in Ireland. The aims of IASLT are:

·  To ensure that professional standards are maintained

·  To support continual professional development through education and research;

·  To co-ordinate the gathering and dissemination of information regarding speech and language therapy and to promote the exchange of professional information;

·  To represent the speech and language therapy profession at national and international level; 

·  To evaluate, accredit and monitor speech and language therapy training courses;

·  To examine and validate the qualifications of speech and language therapists who wish to come to Ireland to work;

·  To develop such policies as are necessary to support the aims

·   To provide such administrative and structural facilities as are necessary to promote the objectives of IASLT.

Further information / Useful links

www.iaslt.com (IASLT website)

www.impact.ie (for details re: pay scales)

www.dohc.ie (Department of Health and Children)

www.jobsinhealth.ie

Author / reference    

Rena Lyons