Ms Vickie Kirkpatrick:

I will start with the first two queries and return to structure and workforce planning. In regard to collating data and drilling down into it, IASLT is not privy to its own specific data. The recommendation is to form a clear understanding of where the health and social care professionals are currently situated in the HSE and in the sections 38 and 39 organisations. It is desirable to map that to ensure disability teams are set up on the basis of best model practices. As we mentioned, the national model of care for paediatric healthcare services in Ireland recommends a ratio of 1.5 speech therapists per 100 children with disabilities.

As I said in reply to Deputy O'Reilly earlier, the need for project management to implement that change must be examined. It is important to set up systems that can measure our effectiveness and link with Irish universities to deliver training and programmes that are evidence-based and play to people's strengths. That is what we need to allow people to live life to the full based on their ability in the spirit of the UNCRPD.

In terms of challenges for overseas, during the crash a number of Irish clinicians emigrated, particularly to the UK, Australia and New Zealand. We were privy to that as they wrote to us seeking letters proving their membership of their professional body. While I do not have figures with me, I believe the numbers emigrating have decreased considerably in the past two or three years and Irish graduates are finding employment within Ireland.

In terms of the personal example the Deputy gave of a little boy with autism moving from a special class in a school to home tuition, there could be many reasons for that. Again, without assessment or making choices or a long-term plan for what that child needs both at home and in school, it is difficult to say why the family felt that was particularly successful. Certainly, in my clinical experience, I have found that setting up structures is extremely important. This means setting up a team, drawing up an education plan and a home plan to ensure the steps are in place to support the child at home, at school, in the community, at the swimming pool and at the airport. Again, I am giving an answer in the broader sense and I apologise for being unable to answer the question specifically.

On ways of working and the shortage of staff, I ask Ms Kenny to address our current numbers in workforce planning.