Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is acknowledged there are serious challenges in the filling of therapy posts due to the availability of new opportunities across the health and social care sector. As I have said, 475 posts have been developed since 2019. I reiterate that assessment of need reports will no longer be issued on the basis of a preliminary team assessment, and the HSE will engage directly with the families of those who received a PTA to establish if they wish to receive a further assessment under the terms of the Disability Act.

As for little Frankie, to whom Deputy Boyd Barrett referred, the Deputy is completely right that early intervention is key. Two years is not an acceptable wait time for any child or his or her family. If the Deputy sends on those details to the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, I will discuss the matter with her.

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