Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I with the Minister well in her role and look forward to collaborating with her on many issues. In County Offaly, 525 children are waiting on assessments of need. Two CDNTs, networks 10 and 11 cover the county. I am very concerned about this. I am also concerned about the fact that there are no preschool places in Edenderry for children with autism. I actually met a parent this morning who told me that. I was shocked. I knew it was an issue at primary and a secondary level but not at preschool level. I hope that can be addressed. The issue of therapists and the shortage in Offaly is nothing short of a national scandal at this stage. I have a child who had an amputation some years ago who cannot get an occupational therapist. In this day and age, that is absolutely disgraceful and appalling. I call on the Minister to please ensure that Offaly gets urgent intervention in terms of therapists and assessments of need.

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