Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

With respect, the Government could be doing more. Currently, 4,370 people have been waiting for more than a year for their first occupational therapy assessments. This time last year, it was 3,081. Last year's figures were awful, so the increase is worrying. Some 3,500 people aged under 18 years have been waiting for longer than a year. Cork and Kerry combined account for one quarter of the waiting list. Is there a specific reason for this and will the Minister comment on the issue?

Occupational therapy is fundamental in assisting people who have disabilities or had accidents and need help dealing with injuries and is important for their quality of life. Will the Minister of State please do more to reduce the waiting lists for such essential services?

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