Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware that extra money was provided in the budget for services for children under 5 years so that they can access assessments more quickly. More money has been made available to the health budget this year. The allocation for 2017 is substantial. It is the largest health budget ever. I would expect that this will ensure reduced waiting times for assessments of the type mentioned by the Deputy. Extra money was specifically provided for occupational therapy services. Efforts are being made to recruit more speech therapists and occupational therapists. One of the problems is the difficulties being experienced in terms of recruitment to these particular professional sectors.

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