Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I can see how passionate the Minister of State is. I met CHO 5 two weeks ago when I raised my concerns about communications regarding services. The CHO told me it was understaffed. While I believe it is doing its best, there is no communication from the HSE to the many families involved. Some sort of system needs to be put in place so that parents can be told there is a plan. We need a plan from all of the CHOs, although I can speak only about CHO 5.

Early intervention is important. From speaking with parents, I know they are tormented about this and concerned for their children. Could there be at least more communication with them so that they are told what will happen but that it will take a few months longer because the CHO is understaffed? As the Minister of State knows, it is unfair if there is no communication. I am concerned for the parents and the children. It is not good that parents are contacting us saying they cannot get answers. I even feel I am not getting answers unless I go to the Minister of State.

We need to recruit staff as quickly as we can. We cannot have children not being assessed or not receiving the therapies they deserve just because their parents do not know what is happening. We need to sort out this issue as soon as possible. How will we put a better plan in place through all of the CHOs so that there is communication for parents?

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