Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)

I commend Cara Darmody and her father, Mark. I was delighted to meet them this morning with my party leader, Deputy Ivana Bacik, at the gates of Leinster House. I commend Cara on the wonderful work she is doing.

I want to read an email I received from a parent:

I am just touching base to see if anything can be done to try and progress an Autism Assessment. I have 3 year old twins who both need Assessment ... (we have only just been accepted by CDNT Mallow), and CDNT have told me that they have since gone back and requested ... [an outsourcing of] the assessment just under a month ago now. They currently attend Mainstream Creche/Pre School 3 days a week but the room leader has mentioned to me that she feels they would really benefit from an Early Intervention Class .... But to get an Early Intervention Class for them they both need a formal diagnosis and obviously having twins I am going to find it extremely difficult to get a space for them both .... I [have now considered but] can't afford to go private for assessment for them ...

She states she has enquired about taking out a credit union loan but currently just cannot afford the cost. She adds:

Is there anything I can do to progress their AON Assessment so that I can get a formal diagnosis and hopefully secure an Early Intervention Class for them. Also to note I have been in contact with one School who said they can't ... put them on a waiting list for a space until we have an official formal diagnosis.

This cross-party motion refers to what is a shocking indictment of the failure of the State. We have failed and continue to fail children across the country. There are 15,296 children waiting for an assessment of need, many of whom are in my county, Cork. For far too long, families across the country have had to beg for services and supports. Nobody in this Chamber wants this type of Ireland.

We are told that finance will not be a barrier, but what about personnel? We consistently hear about the lack of services within our system. The HSE itself will tell you that. Earlier, my colleague Deputy Alan Kelly, said he thinks this was a cry for help from the HSE. I do not believe he is wrong.

I want to focus specifically on children in school and the lack of assessments of needs. Having been lucky enough to teach in two fantastic schools, I note that the level of need in a modern classroom is far different from that of 20 years ago. Supports must be put in place. The role of special needs assistants in our schools is pivotal and of course they benefit the children they assist. Schools across the country have to beg for SNAs. I have had constant communication with school principals across Cork North-Central and they have informed me that trying to increase the number of SNAs or keep SNAs is like knocking on a brick wall. It is so difficult and such is the level of need that school management, particularly at mainstream level, find themselves acting as SNAs. Early intervention is essential, particularly regarding school places. All Members of this House are consistently asked for help in securing school places for children.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have been in government for the best part of ten years and the situation is actually getting worse. Planning early intervention, allowing assessments of need to take place, providing the necessary supports and having school places ready for children sound like basic rights but we do not provide these services.

The Labour Party has consistently brought solutions to the Government. They are genuine and very possible but just need Government approval.

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