Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)

The assessment of need comes under the Department of children and disability, but it is an aspect that has been discussed more than most at the Cabinet subcommittee on disability, with reference to how we are going to meaningfully tackle the waiting lists. The Deputy mentioned a figure and talked about it growing. The Government is desperately serious because getting an assessment of need is a hugely important piece of the jigsaw for every family. Deputy Toole mentioned the treatment purchase fund. There is a fund there for some, but we have to ensure that assessment of need issue is tackled. We discuss it more than most issues at the Cabinet subcommittee and the HSE and the Department are working to try to bring forward meaningful proposals that will meet it head-on and deliver results.