Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is disappointing but very useful to hear that feedback. On the back of this discussion, I will talk to the Department and the HSE. Of course, I can meet the groups and am happy to do so again but ultimately they need to be talking to the people who are designing the model of care. Of course, it can be useful to talk to a Minister but really, they need direct input into the model of care that is being developed.

I am happy to say that we have allocated funding for this year, a sum of €100,000, for the establishment of a new team, which is important. The HSE is working on an interim solution, an alternative pathway for children and young people who are experiencing protracted waiting times. They are waiting too long and the current situation is not where we want to be. Discussions are under way with paediatric endocrinology in Children's Health Ireland and with our psychology services to put an interim solution in place until we have what these young people need and deserve, which is a fully dedicated multidisciplinary service.

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