The Health Service Executive is failing to provide 75% of Gaeltacht residents and Irish-speaking customers health services through the medium of Irish, according to a new survey.
Three quarters of survey respondents believe that Irish language speakers are better able to explain their symptoms, feelings and health problems through Irish.
The survey was conducted by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the HSE
The three highest personal priorities for respondents in terms of specialist health services through Irish were in the areas of speech therapy services for children and stroke victims, health services for preschools and school, and home help services in Irish.
The survey results show that Irish language speakers believe that they do not receive equal access to Irish health services or equal levels of respect from health service professionals, compared with English language speakers.
