Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I assure Deputies Michael McGrath and Murphy O'Mahony that I get the point and accept they have a particular issue. We have a national issue but I also understand there is a particular issue with services in Cork. I acknowledge that we have to take action on disability services. However, the disability service is already engaged in a major reconfiguration of existing therapy resources for children with disabilities into multidisciplinary geographical based teams as part of its national programme on progressing disability services for children and young people aged up to 18 years. It is also anticipated that the combined efforts being undertaken by Cork-Kerry community healthcare and the HSE nationally relating to the assessment of needs process and progress on disabilities will have a significant positive impact on the waiting lists as we progress through 2018.

The Deputies asked me what I have been doing. I have been in regular contact with officials in the HSE on this issue. Last Monday afternoon, I sat down with the HSE and Department of Health. That was among my six priority issues. I have discussed this previously with both Deputies.

I appreciate the Deputies' support on this issue when it comes to the broader political issue in terms of the confidence and supply agreement. I am putting people with disabilities and similar issues at the top of the agenda and I welcome the Deputies support, which is needed. I will continue to be in regular contact with HSE officials on this issue to ensure this remains the case. People with disabilities cannot be left behind and I will accept my responsibility in that regard. I appreciate any support on this issue because a debate is taking place on whether we should have tax cuts or investment in services. From my point of view, I favour the latter and, in the context of this debate, services for children with disabilities.

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