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

Numbers speak louder than words. I read this response before coming to the Chamber and was shocked by the numbers. The Minister acknowledges this situation as well, though, and is concerned that efforts are taking so long, particularly given the number of individuals under 18 years of age who still have not been assessed. Access to multidisciplinary assessments and intervention at an early stage is important. In many ways, this is why the new in-school support service has been put in place. Via my grandchildren, I witnessed it starting to operate recently.

I acknowledge that the Deputy has raised this matter with the Minister and the Taoiseach previously and is pursuing it again today. I always say this, but I mean it - I always revert to the main Minister and outline the concerns and anger expressed at the state of the services in question. Deputies do not come into this Chamber to raise concerns like these unless they affect the people in our communities whom we represent.

We have a great deal of work to do in this sector, as I know from the area I represent. In Deputy Crowe's area, my area and others where people are less fortunate and living in communities with multiple problems, people can sometimes be left behind. As soon as the Minister has returned to the House, I will raise the issue with him. I will also raise it with the Taoiseach when I see him. There is a great deal happening in the House, as everyone knows, but issues like this that affect children and others in our communities should be prioritised and addressed.

I compliment those who work in the primary care services, in particular speech and language therapy. They do a job that not only needs a great deal of compassion, but also a great deal of energy, as they work in difficult situations.

I hear the Deputy's concerns and will make it my business to ensure that the Minister hears them loud and clear.

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