Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. I am glad that he indicated his particular concern regarding the lack of adequate numbers of therapists to deal with children with additional needs or a disability. I have been engaging with the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, on the problems in Cavan-Monaghan, the area I represent. The House recently dealt with legislation aimed at ensuring that children with additional needs get a placement in an appropriate setting in a school. All present are aware that, in many instances, delays in getting assessments for those children deprives them of an appropriate placement in a school. It is essential that assessments take place in a timely manner and that the follow-up treatments and therapies, if needed,are put in place at an early date. Many families are buying services. They cannot afford to do so but are doing it for the sake of their children. I cannot emphasise strongly enough the need to ensure that as many therapists as possible are recruited to reduce considerably the unacceptable delays that exists at present in places such as Cavan and Monaghan.

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