To ask the Minister of Health how he will address shortages in the speech and language therapist workforce.

I remain committed to implementing the recommendations of the Speech and Language Therapy Workforce Review 2019 – 2029. This will require increasing the number of undergraduate training places commissioned by my department each year by 12 to reach the recommendation of 40. Other recommendations include developing alternative routes to qualification; expanding the commissioning of postgraduate training; and developing a regional approach to AHP workforce issues such as recruitment, employment and skills.

I will continue to make the case for the essential investment required for our future workforce. However, I expect that the 2024/25 budget will be extremely challenging.