Martin Ferris (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister of State is probably aware, last week the health committee highlighted that there are massive delays throughout the country for children who need a special needs assessment. He is also aware that under the Disability Act 2005, the assessment of need must start within three months of the completed application being received by the HSE and that the assessment, outside of exceptional cases, must be completed within three months of commencement. This gives a total of six months. The committee also heard that in Kerry and Cork, which produce the highest number of applications and the most reports, have the highest level of overdue assessments. According to the figures I have, in Cork and Kerry those waiting for overdue assessments amount to 1,718.

In the second quarter of 2018, the HSE recorded an average waiting time of 2.5 years for an assessment of needs for children referred from Kerry and Cork. By any standard it is shameful and outrageous that parents who already have the worry of a belief they will get a negative assessment are also burdened with this totally unacceptable delay. While we can speak about facts and figures until the cows come home, the essential point is what these delays mean for a child who must wait this length of time for an assessment and what they mean for a child who cannot communicate and is waiting for speech therapy. Milestones that most children can expect to meet as normal are not being met for these unfortunate children. The ramifications of these overdue assessments are to the public purse and to those who are now adults with special needs who were not assessed and did not receive the necessary interventions in time.

Does the Minister of State not think it is now time to put in place the necessary resources to provide adequate services for our most vulnerable children and their families? It is not me saying this. The HSE claims it will need 400 more therapists in the years ahead. As I have said, Cork and Kerry, because of the number of people there who are overdue for assessment, are seen within the HSE as a priority.

What is also very disturbing is that the standard operating procedures mention taking 90 minutes for screening. This is proposed for cases in which many therapists and doctors would state that 40 hours are required for assessment, particularly for children on the autism spectrum. Not alone are there 1,718 children waiting for an assessment, there is the added dimension of a proposal for a 90-minute screening period where up to 40 hours may be necessary. It is not me or anybody else in the House saying this, it is coming from Dr. Cathal Morgan, who states the standard operating procedures are not adequate to meet the requirements necessary to help resolve the problem.

Will the Minister of State enlighten us on what proposals he has to try to deal with this? In most instances regarding special needs resources we are probably pushing an open door with regard to the Minister of State in charge. I wish to hear his reply on what can be done to try to improve the sector and, in particular, deal with the 1,718 children awaiting assessment.

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