Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We know that the children living in these situations are very much at risk of a lot of issues later in their lives. We know the importance of early intervention when it comes to the mental health and physical well-being of these children. The Minister mentioned priorities and the extra funding his Department has received in his answer to Deputy Kyne. Will the Minister look at these particular needs as an example of early intervention? There are really serious delays in providing key workers for those in emergency accommodation. This is fuelling inequality because these are children of parents who have lost their jobs and homes. The parents are dealing with so much in their own lives and are also trying to provide support for their children. I ask that they would be a priority in terms of access to key workers and social workers. The Minister spoke of 400 extra social workers. This is an area that needs prioritising.

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