Ms Rosalind No?l:

The Deputy asked if the PDS model is working. The PDS model is based on a child- and family-centred approach. We feel that is a very good start for a model. We agree with that approach. However, it has not been implemented in such a way as to allow us to work within that model. Prior to the PDS, there were waiting lists and many of them were not recognised or audited by the HSE. When the PDS model was introduced, many more children appeared than had been expected. That is clear from the numbers. When the teams were reconfigured, the HSE had figures in mind as to how many children would be going to those teams.

All of the teams had significantly more children than had been expected so there is a planning issue there. Why were they so surprised by the numbers of children who came on to the disability teams?

On schools, from an occupational therapy perspective, we work with children and their families within the setting where they are functioning which includes home, school and community. We would work with children in all of those settings and still do. Therapists are working within the special schools at present, although not in the numbers needed. Children who are linked to disability teams have access to the very few staff who are on those teams, whether they are in a special school or in the community. Children are being seen but again, not at a high enough level. From an occupational therapy perspective, we agree with the principle of having occupational therapists in all schools.