Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. This situation has developed in the past two to three years. The team in CHO 7 has flagged the pressure it is under and the fact that waiting lists have been stagnant for the past 41 months. In reply to an earlier question I was told that there had been no movement on the waiting list in the past ten months owing to the volume of children transitioning from early intervention services, capacity caseloads among team members, delays in the filling of vacancies and maternity leave positions not being filled. The reply also stated the team was operating without a dedicated manager, which is crucial. There is a lack of services. The resources are as follows. One staff grade educational psychologist post has been filled, but the person in question is soon to move on on promotion. There is a staff grade psychologist. However, because of engagement with psychological initiatives, the person in question is only available at the rate of 0.6. Staffing levels are dire and must be addressed. The children waiting for these services need them today, not next month or next year.

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