Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Dr. Morgan referred to consultation and we have heard from others who refer to a complete lack of consultation. We had three groups before us earlier but we also had correspondence from a group representing speech and language therapists. It advised that the group was made aware that there would be some class of consultation process but it was at such short notice, its participation was impossible. Psychologists reported the same and the group representing occupational therapists appears to have been sidelined altogether. The groups told us that, in other areas, what the HSE proposes to do in 90 minutes takes 47 hours. The SOP indicates no family should leave the clinic without strategies to support the child or young person but the provision of these strategies in any meaningful way takes time. Time is precisely what the HSE appears to be taking away.

We may not be talking to the people directly responsible for policy, which is fair enough, but parents have described the process as a "battle" or "struggle". It is like they are going to war for services for their children. Like all Deputies, there are parents in my constituency who sell items to get the money to purchase services from the private sector. These people are going to loan sharks or going without. One parent who was appeared before the committee outlined how they sell their belongings on www.donedeal.ieto be able to purchase services from the private sector. That is a flashing blue light indicating a problem, and the SOP will not deal with that. If anything, it may exacerbate the problem.

I am worried that one of the professional representative bodies advised us that the SOP is in breach of its ethics, standards and guidelines and CORU's ethics and guidelines. I appreciate that the HSE is having a dialogue with Fórsa, which is fine for directly employed people, and that should continue. Is the procedure is in line with these guidelines? I am worried that a group is saying that it is not, as we could be putting much effort and energy into something that is not fit for purpose. We could debate all day as to whether it will work but it will certainly not if from the start it is in breach of the code of ethics or at variance with CORU's guidelines.

Reference was made to a "golden window", a time at which intervention can bring a meaningful difference to the life of a child. This is affected by a longer assessment process. Some parents are waiting up to four years to access services. The golden window is being looked at in the rearview mirror after a couple of months and every day that goes by, the child is further away from being able to realise his or her full potential. In what way will the SOP contribute positively to attaining that golden window? I do not believe it will but perhaps the witnesses can tell us how it will and we would love to hear it.

Some groups said the new SOP has been deferred and it is not in place. Dr. Morgan said the HSE is in consultation with Fórsa, suggesting that it definitely is not in place. As a former trade union official, I know the union would not allow that and SOP would be locked down before it could be started. It would be counter-productive to be in negotiations while also using the procedure. Why are parents getting phone calls to go through this process? It seems it is being used in some CHOs but not others. Where are those areas, why is it being used and how does this not conflict with the ongoing negotiations with Fórsa?