Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail)
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It is really important that we are here together to discuss this really important issue. It is one of the most common issues we come across as public representatives. Exhausted families and children with unmet needs come to us begging for help. This issue is not just about unmet needs or waiting lists. It is actually a human rights, quality of life and opportunities in life issue. It is frustrating, heartbreaking, infuriating and relentless. There is an inability on the part of the HSE to care for our most vulnerable children. Mr. Reid calls them children with disabilities but in fact, the inability of the organisation to care, see and treat our children is making their disability far worse. Every delay and unmet need create relentless pressure for families. Our children are wonderful and capable and it is the services' responsibility to help those abilities shine bright but we are not doing that. The HSE is not doing that.

There are many issues I wish to raise. It is really upsetting because we sit in front of mammies and see these gorgeous children in front of us. There are so many issues but I have some specific questions. Was it appropriate for the person charged with developing the framework for the assessment of need to publicly state at a recent workshop on the assessment of need that the Disability Act needs to be reformed? Is this not a contradiction? Is it appropriate for the HSE clinical lead for disability to have a blog with commentary on Ms Justice Phelan's recent ruling on the assessment of need, including the statement that her judgement departed from best practice and conveyed an inadequate understanding regarding diagnosis and disability? I will leave it at that.