Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Will Deputy Tully submit the details of that to the Minister of State? My understanding is that there will be some capacity to support parents to access services privately, if they can. I do not believe in this rule that has applied within the HSE and in bureaucracy to the effect that because a person has not had an assessment he cannot avail of therapy services. Some common sense and cop-on need to be applied. A student does not have to wait for assessment in the education environment and provision can be made.

I am unclear about why the six year old to whom the Deputy referred had to leave Enable Ireland services and go back to HSE services. Again, I do not know the individual details. My view generally is that all service providers, including the HSE, exist to look after children. Advocacy for children should be centre stage. All agencies and services should work together and co-ordinate to ensure that children get the services they need.

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