HSE Speech Therapy Waiting Lists: What Are Your Options?

How Long Are the Waiting Lists?

As of December 2025, 20,972 children were waiting for an initial speech and language therapy assessment through the HSE. Of those, 7,414 had been waiting for more than a year, a 37% increase on the previous year.

These figures only cover primary care services. They do not include children waiting through Children's Disability Network Teams (CDNTs), where a further 9,363 children were on waiting lists at the end of 2025. In some areas, including Cavan-Monaghan, Dublin North-West, and Cork, children have been waiting more than two years.

The HSE has acknowledged the scale of the problem. In a response to parliamentary questions from Labour TD Marie Sherlock, the HSE said that over 500 funded therapy posts remain unfilled and that demand continues to outstrip supply across speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and psychology.

Why Are the Waiting Lists So Long?

The waiting lists are driven by a combination of rising demand and limited capacity. Referrals for therapy services increased by 7% in 2023 alone, and the trend has continued. At the same time, recruitment challenges have left hundreds of funded posts unfilled across the country.

The HSE's Roadmap for Service Improvement 2023–2026 sets out a plan to improve access, but critics argue the pace of change is too slow. One in four children in Ireland now has a special educational need, and the system is not designed to meet demand at this scale.

The result is a postcode lottery where your child's access to therapy depends heavily on where you live. Some regions, like Dublin South City, have relatively shorter waiting times. Others, particularly in the midlands and border counties, face delays of two years or more.

What Can You Do While Waiting?

Being on a waiting list does not mean you have to wait to act. There are several things you can do right now.

Stay on the HSE waiting list. Getting your child's name on the list is important even if you plan to go private. Your position on the list is held regardless of what you do in the meantime.

Request a public health nurse review. Your PHN can assess your child's development and make referrals if needed. They can also point you to local supports and groups.

Ask your child's preschool or school. Teachers and SNAs often have insights into how your child communicates compared to peers. Schools can also request support through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).

Talk to your child as much as possible. Narrate your day, read together, sing songs, and respond to every attempt your child makes to communicate. The HSE's own guidance recommends 5–10 minutes of dedicated play and language time each day.

Can You Go Private While on the HSE List?

Yes. You can access private speech therapy while remaining on the HSE waiting list. Many families do this to avoid losing months or years of early intervention time.

Private speech therapy in Ireland typically costs from €80 per session depending on session length and therapist experience. Most major health insurers, including VHI, Laya, and Irish Life Health, cover sessions with CORU-registered therapists. You can also claim 20% tax relief through Revenue for children under 18.

You do not need a GP referral to book a private session. You can go directly to a CORU-registered therapist and start within days rather than months.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Research consistently shows that the earlier speech and language difficulties are identified and supported, the better the outcomes. Children who receive early intervention are more likely to enter school with age-appropriate communication skills, perform better academically, and develop stronger social relationships.

Waiting for months or years can have lasting consequences. Children who miss the window for early intervention may struggle with literacy, social confidence, and behaviour as they progress through school. The cost of delayed support is often far greater than the cost of early action.

Sources