Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses. For them to be the voices of those children is important and we will take on board what they are saying.

In response to Mr. Smyth, a simple temporary solution would be for the cessation of the standard operating procedures. Mr. Smyth obviously has serious concerns. The required consultation has not happened, either with Mr. Smyth's organisation or with the parents, to ensure reforms are made that will meet the needs of the children. I am prepared to make that call to the Minister and it would give that bit of breathing space to allow a better system to be put in place.

On the new system coming out, Mr. Smyth's statement noted that his organisation's "members have reported that since the implementation of the PTA this month, the outcome in almost all cases [to date] has been a recommendation for further assessment." Can he give a percentage on that? What percentage is essentially kicking the can down the road and putting further delays on these children?