Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I have already done so but I may provide more examples.

The issue of delays in speech and language and occupational therapy has been raised. One must plan services and hire staff based on existing needs. A child must undergo an assessment of needs to determine what supports he or she requires. I am aware that it is increasingly the case that people are told there is a three month waiting time for assessments of needs. I assume other members are aware of people in such situations. After three months, the person is told the waiting list is six months but after six months he or she is told it is nine months, and then 12 months. Is that occurring across the country or is it limited to one location? How does the HSE plan its services when there is a waiting list of that length for assessments of needs? Is there a problem with that process and what are the guarantees in that regard?