Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the funding of €7.8 million, which is crucial. The reduction of 92% in the waiting list nationally is impressive and I know this is something to which the Minister of State has been committed. I welcomed her to Carlow where she had given that commitment. I welcome the reduction, especially in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny. The challenge is to build on that and ensure those who have been assessed for a need get the service they need as quickly as possible. We all know there have been significant waiting lists for speech and language assessments and therapy, and occupational therapy. We all know of the waiting lists for young children. This is so important. What are the Minister of State's plans with her Department to do this again? Does she have a timeframe, because, with children in particular, timing is crucial?

See this speech in context