Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

There is a real need across the country for increased therapy for children and young adults with special needs. It is a real shortage. The shortage is also exacerbated by the difficulty in hiring new people. My understanding is that our assessment processes are so long that many of the therapists who should be engaged in therapy provision are actually in the assessment process. We need to look at that as part of the overall approach and measures. The issue was raised, debated and discussed at a Cabinet sub-committee in recent weeks and there is a real commitment to addressing the shortfall. It is not easy. I think there may be a need for training and education of new people. There is not a pool out there. I think that is the way to go.

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