Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs

Children's Unmet Needs: Discussion

Mr. Mark Smyth:

The argument the HSE puts forward is that it is not about the resources but about using them better. However,the resources have to be there in order for them to be used better. We have speech and language and occupational therapists and psychologists who have the requisite skill and expertise to provide these services, but we need a new system of recruitment to get them in place in order that the right person is in the right job at the right time. As I said earlier, I can provide a copy of that report on recruitment to the committee for members' perusal. We know the process does not work, and we have been saying for ten years that we need to be listened to in order that we can get these people in place and ensure that children have their needs met.