Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will reference it because it would not be me not to reference it, as the Deputy will know.

Let me address the CHO 3 question. As of 30 June, the backlog of assessment of needs was 589. In September, it was reduced to 559. In October, it was 503, and in November, 449. I will turn those figures on their head.

One can see that CHO 3 had completed 30 in September, 56 in October and 54 in November.

Last night, I participated in a Zoom call with pals from Loughrea in County Galway. They said they are experiencing the same ASD issues that Deputy Crowe mentioned. There is an acute shortage of ASD units. Many schools do not have enough space for a mop bucket never mind trying to convert a classroom, which is a very serious issue. This seems to be happening across the country because any of these units can only cater for six people.

Last night, I also heard the following and it is something that I have heard on a regular basis in addition to being well articulated by the Deputy. Parents must continually do battle for services, the teachers assist them in their battle but the reports are shredded when they have been completed, which is a situation that needs addressing. Parents and teachers have articulated to me their belief that barriers have been put in the way of progress to assist their children in educational and development spheres. The Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, and I will work well together to ensure that we address this important issue because the current situation cannot continue at the level that I have heard is happening right across the country.