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

As I mentioned earlier, I have tabled this parliamentary question in the context of the shortage of occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and physiotherapists. My concern is about the delays in children getting assessments and follow-up treatment. I understand that in Britain much more extensive use is made of therapy assistants, not just in general hospitals but in the provision of services for children with a disability as well. I also understand that our colleges of further education provide necessary courses to enable people to gain those necessary skills or to upskill.

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