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

The recruitment in the Cavan-Monaghan area particularly relates to the enhanced community care programme, the launch of which I recently attended with the Minister at Cavan General Hospital in Lisdaran. I compliment Suzann O'Callaghan, the manager of the hospital, and Rose Mooney. the manager of services for the elderly in Cavan-Monaghan. They have put a great system in place there. The general hospital and services for the elderly are working together to bring as many services as possible nearer to home for people who need them. That is particularly beneficial for older persons. Good progress is being made in that regard.

As regards children with a disability, we have to ensure priority is attached to this issue. I have another question tabled on a related matter but I do not know if it will be reached. It have received representations that, as a country, we should be employing more therapy assistants. Apparently, that works very well in Britain. I know that is outside the remit of this question but it may be an area that should be given further consideration.

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