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

Unfortunately, there are long delays in Cavan-Monaghan for children with additional needs or disabilities obtaining therapies such as occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and physiotherapy. We all know the importance of having early interventions to support a child with a specific health needs, but, unfortunately, this is not happening sufficiently. There are particular difficulties in getting clinicians to take up these posts in areas like counties Cavan and Monaghan. We need a robust international recruitment campaign for therapists. Equally, a shorter process must be undertaken in validating the qualifications of people who trained abroad. In the longer term, we must train more people in our own colleges and these professional positions must become attractive as careers. Recruitment and retention of such clinicians are essential to ensure that adequate services are provided for children with a disability, regardless of where they live.

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