Dáil debates

Friday, 3 December 2021

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions

Disability Services

11:00 am

Photo of Thomas GouldThomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State made a point about a reduction in the backlog of assessments of need for children. They are getting their assessments of need done, but then there are no services. I am dealing with families who have had no services for their children for years. We are talking about the children's disability network teams. I am dealing with a mother who is doing a 12-week course to educate herself to enable her to provide occupational therapy to her son. The course is a good idea for that parent, but not as a replacement for the service. That is what this Government is standing over now - trying to educate a parent in six weeks to do something it takes years for a professional in college to learn and develop the required skills. It is not good enough. These vulnerable children are being failed by the Government and State. I need answers for parents now. Telling me about waiting lists being cleared so that children will have no services is not good enough. The way children with disabilities are being treated is a scandal.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.