Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is stated on page 49 of the programme for Government that the Government will extend the remit of the National Treatment Purchase Fund in order to secure timely assessment for child and adult psychological services. Has this happened? If not, why? There is a huge issue with recruitment and retention of staff in children's disability services under the progressing disability model and in primary care itself. If we are to believe the HSE, it is working to resolve the staffing issues but this will take time. In the interim, a large cohort of children who require services now are missing out on important interventions. We are told constantly that early intervention is key. Will the Government sanction the use of the National Treatment Purchase Fund to allow children to access assessments of need, interventions and services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology in order that they can progress rather than regress?

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