Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me the opportunity to raise this important matter.

I was originally contacted by Darryl Kenny's mother last February because she had been seeking occupational therapy for her son since August 2005. Darryl commenced primary school in September 2005. His mother had requested occupational therapy services, which was supported by Darryl's resource teacher. Darryl suffers from dyspraxia with sensory integration disorder. As a result he has difficulty gripping a pencil correctly and this has impeded his progress in writing. Unfortunately, as Darryl progressed through junior infants, it became apparent that without the necessary occupational therapy sessions, his writing would not have progressed enough to proceed to senior infants. In September 2006, more than a year since the original request for occupational therapy services had been made, Darryl commenced his second year in junior infants.

His parents were so frustrated by their inability to access this service for their son that they felt obliged to see a private consultant with a view to an assessment of Darryl's needs. This is evidence of yet another failure in our health care system where long delays force concerned, taxpaying families out of the public health service, which their taxes are funding. The consultant's report recommends two sessions per week with an occupational therapist for Darryl. His very concerned mother has been in almost weekly contact with the senior occupational therapist in the district since receiving the recommendation that Darryl should have two sessions per week. Unfortunately, she recently received an e-mail from the senior occupational therapist, which stated that in this, the last quarter of 2006, they are only working on the 2003-04 list. Let us assume they are working on the last quarter of 2003 or even the first quarter of 2004, they are approximately three years behind schedule, which is an incredibly long time for a child in junior infants to wait for occupational therapy services.

Anecdotally, I am led to believe from other sources that no occupational therapist is in place to cover that part of County Wexford. In 2006, it is unacceptable that so many children as well as other members of the community should not have access to occupational therapy services in a timely manner. Unfortunately, yet again, this is an example of how the most vulnerable in society — children and the elderly — are losing out through the lack of occupational therapy services. Does the Minister for Health and Children believe it is acceptable for a child in junior infants to have to wait three years for vital occupational therapy services? Does the Government understand the upset and frustration that a lack of services causes to children and their parents? Every parent wants to ensure his or her child receives all he or she needs to reach his or her full potential in life and every child needs to know from an early age that his or her needs are important, that they have the same potential as their classmates and that they will succeed.

The Minister has held this portfolio for more than two years. Is she aware of these extraordinarily lengthy waiting times? I hope she does not find them acceptable. What steps has the Minister taken to deal with the problem? By this, I mean practical initiatives and increased funding rather than reviews by the HSE. Has there been a targeted recruitment drive to employ more occupational therapists? From discussing the matter with colleagues, this is a serious issue across the country, not just in County Wexford. Is a specific plan to reduce waiting times in place? What is the target waiting time for occupational therapy in County Wexford and how soon is the achievement of that target anticipated? When can Darryl and his parents look forward to receiving the two occupational therapy sessions per week he desperately needs? He must avail of the service as soon as possible.

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