Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely. The Deputy is right in respect of retention and recruitment and the challenges that exist in the context of trying to make disability attractive as a workplace. This week, I met Mark Smyth of the Psychological Society of Ireland, who sent me a submission relating to various grades and preferences. In fact, if there are more senior posts, it may be easier to attract and train in staff. We also need to look at the panels. I am sure the Deputy is considering that in his role as a member of the Opposition. The panels have been in place for the past ten years and we have to question whether they are effective.

It must be acknowledged that it is predominantly a female workforce. We need to start factoring in the fact that people are on maternity leave, paternity leave or extended leave. That comes at a price of 40% over and above the baseline. That is what we need to discuss. Prior to the call with Gobnait Ní Chrualaoí I was on a call with Deborah Jacob of CHO 7. We discussed the need to have relief panels booked with the HSE so that there are people with a rich skill set available to cover for staff on maternity leave and be put into one of the teams. That would ensure consistency in the delivery of care and the continuation of that pathway and the level of clinical governance and oversight for the junior grades. Deborah and her eight counterparts around the country would be in control and we would at all times be able to identify the needs and fill the gaps utilising a rich team of therapists within the gift of the HSE.

To go back to the Deputy's final point in respect of the 1,000 children awaiting ASD diagnostic assessments, it is a priority for me. Like the Deputy, I was very disappointed to see that figure this afternoon.

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