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

I am glad the Minister of State accepted that the waiting lists are increasing but acceptance is not good enough. At this stage we need strong and fast action. Early intervention is of the utmost importance. It must be remembered that even after a diagnosis these children will face long waiting lists for therapies. The assessment of need must be worked on. Combined, the waiting lists for assessment and therapies make early intervention almost impossible. A diagnosis is required for many schools throughout Cork and to achieve this, the Minister of State must take action and hire more staff.

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