Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies. I understand the very real focus this issue has for so many Deputies. The numbers that Deputy Ó Cathasaigh requested for his CHO are deeply concerning. Of 192 positions that are provided 111 are filled at present with 81 unfilled. This is a 42% vacancy rate. It is even higher than what we discussed earlier and it is deeply disturbing. It is having a very real impact on children and on their parents and their level of worry.

I agree with Deputy McAuliffe in that I do not like relying on the private sector. It should be a question of building up State capacity. At the same time, however, when issues are in as much a crisis as we have now, we must look at all elements, especially in terms of the provision of assessments to get that element done. We are going to have to talk about that element of assessment. As we know, the court case last year had a very significant impact. A new standard operating procedure is being brought forward at the moment. I hope that can bridge some of that gap, but the issue of ensuring the availability of assessment does not impact on the delivery of therapies is something with which we will have to grapple.

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