Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I stated, the Government is committed to enhancing services for children with disabilities. In budget 2024, €8.5 million additional investment was allocated to improve children's services, including the recruitment of additional therapy positions, the procurement of assessments from the private sector and increasing third level places.

As regards the Deputy's specific question, the 2022 CDNT staff census notes an average vacancy rate of 34% across CHOs. An overall analysis of the data from 2021 and 2022 demonstrates an increase of 11% in the number of approved posts and a 2% increase in CDNT. It is important to note the HSE has agreed to provide a special derogation for categories of staff employed across HSE and section 38 disability services under the HSE recruitment pause.

This will allow CDNTs to continue with efforts to address the staffing gaps. Recruitment is under way at pace at the moment.

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