Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 1 December 2020

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs

Assessments of Needs for Children with Disabilities: Engagement with Ombudsman for Children

Photo of Kathleen FunchionKathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise several issues. As has been said, we genuinely appreciate Dr. Muldoon coming before the committee, the report and his work in general. I have always found a very proactive approach from the Office of the Ombudsman for Children. It is very much needed, unfortunately, because as I am sure many people will agree, a child with additional needs is almost a second-class citizen. It is acceptable to wait for a school place, and it is acceptable to have to wait for resource hours and, particularly in rural areas, for transport. Everything is a battle and parents say this. Then we have situations where some parents may be able to take on that battle but not every parent can. There is a small reference to this in the report. People may be able to make a complaint and an appeal but they get worn down by this. It seems it is paperwork after paperwork. We welcome the report, even though it is difficult reading in the sense that it is terrible to think that in 2020 this is where children with additional needs are. However, it needs to be highlighted and addressed. In this regard it is welcome.

I want to ask about the comment that Dr. Muldoon made earlier about HIQA. Did HIQA give a reason in the letter? Perhaps Dr. Muldoon cannot go into it, and I respect if he cannot do so, but it seems to be another example of second-class citizens whereby children with additional needs will not be considered immediately.

In his opening statement, Dr. Muldoon spoke about amending section 18 to expand the powers of the disability appeals officer to provide compensation as a remedy for breaches under the Act. Will we have to get to this stage before we see any real progress? At the end of the day, it is money. Unfortunately, it is when people have to pay out money that they sit up and pay attention. It should not have to get to that stage but it seems as though it will. I can think of so many people who could potentially fall into that category if it were the case. What does Dr. Muldoon think about this?

We all get many representations from parents who are heartbroken trying to get an assessment of needs, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy or ASD class places. It is overwhelming. I thank the members for their contributions today as they touched on many important points. I thought the point on housing was excellent as often we have a battle with local authorities on children with autism. There might not be a need for a wheelchair ramp but children need space. Perhaps they need their own room or a breakout room. I cannot think of the exact word.

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