Dr. Cathal Morgan:

That is a fair point. We have all been struggling with the lack of normal access to services, whether through disability network teams, primary care teams or the CAMHS and mental health services.

First, remote working undoubtedly does not work for everyone. There is specific guidance for clinicians on this - it is on the website - that where on-site therapeutic interventions can be conducted in a safe way, we try to do that. Second, I understand that the Deputy was attending another committee, but earlier I spoke of how the children's network teams that have been established must continue to work very closely with school principals and educators, teachers, as well as parents in meeting the needs of children who have additional support needs in education settings. Third, we work closely with the National Council for Special Education. We have a regular forum and engagement with it to ensure we work in an integrated way. It is an education initiative, but the programme for Government commits to in-school therapeutic resources and supports. That is being driven through the Department of Education. The HSE is concentrating on the establishment and resourcing of children's disability network teams that must and will continue to work closely with our colleagues in the education sector.