Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to talk about some shocking statistics. Some 78% of all children, particularly those with disabilities, wait more than the statutory maximum of three months for an assessment. There has been a 50% increase in children waiting more than 12 months for a speech and language initial assessment or therapy appointment. The figures for Kildare, which were released to me recently, show that waiting times for interventions for children were up to 60 weeks. If a child required a diagnostic assessment for ASD, he or she could be waiting for a year. This is absolutely outrageous. The Minister for Health and the Minister of State with responsibility for disability must recognise these shortfalls in order to overcome them.

We are not talking about luxuries but, literally, a passport for life for children because it would help them develop their own skills. A child who needs a special needs assessment when starting school has absolutely no opportunity of having one. It is absolutely shocking that there are delays of 12 months and more. A number of parents have been in contact with me and it is heart-rending to hear of parents trying to save money to pay for treatment to help their children. We all know that early intervention is key to ensuring children with disabilities and difficulties can live the best life possible. In order for schools, the community and the State to be able to support children, we need to have these assessments on a timely basis, to be followed by the necessary interventions.

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