Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I indicated, the rate of referral to the services in Kildare west Wicklow continues to grow. As a public representative, I understand that parents need to have their children assessed within a specified timeframe. If a timely assessment is not carried out, a child will, unfortunately, regress to a certain extent. While there is no issue with funding for services, sometimes staff are not available.

Having spoken to the Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Deputy Finian McGrath, I know everything is being done to deliver services to facilitate respite, especially for children. We all understand that in families with a child with special needs, there can be turmoil in the home and parents need a break to be able to take time for themselves. I concur with many of the points made by Deputy O'Rourke and I will convey them to the Minister of State, Deputy McGrath. I will also ask the Minister of State to meet Deputy O'Rourke.

The Kildare west Wicklow network disabilities teams currently support 367 children in services. There are 21 children on the waiting list and the average waiting time is between seven and 13 months. The area has 19.7 speech and language therapist posts and there is one vacancy in this area arising from long-term sick leave. The service also has 11.8 psychotherapist posts and there are five vacancies for psychotherapists, which is a significant vacancy rate. The Deputy is correct that services are not available in certain areas. Recruitment is a problem in all parts of the health service.

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