Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the Minister of State's response. I know her heart is in the right place and that she takes her brief seriously. Two parliamentary questions were tabled on one of the cases to which I referred and I will outline it. I was told that the case was referred to the primary care child and family service in May 2016. I was informed the psychologist for the area is on long-term leave and national HSE approval is awaited for the temporary backfill of the post but, unfortunately, until such time as this position is filled there are insufficient resources within psychology to cross cover for this vacancy. In other words, there is a shortage of money. The reply finished with the line: "I trust this information is of assistance to you."

The second reply to one of the cases raised indicated that the psychologist for this area is on long-term leave and the PCMG has approved this backfill. I was told that the situation is currently awaiting national HSE approval. The reality in the case of one of those families, which went to a private psychologist and paid significant money to have the child assessed, is that they were told their six-year old needs support because he is suffering from autism but nothing is available at the moment in Roscommon. Some time will be available in the school come September but the centre of excellence in Athenry which deals with autism cases has a two-year waiting list. We have significant problems within the system. I am sure the Minister of State will acknowledge that. I do not want children who are five, six or seven years old not being assessed, or even if they are assessed not getting the treatment for a long period. The Minister of State is aware of the case I have outlined. I urge her to give it her best shot and ensure a child psychologist is appointed to Roscommon because we need one currently.

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