Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

-----given the finite number of therapists we have. We can pass all the motions we like but we have to deal in a very pragmatic, solution-based approach right now. We have to deal with this in a multifaceted way but, right now, we need to make sure that the therapists we have are focused on providing services to children as quickly as we possibly can, consistent with the needs of those children.

We have made a lot of progress in education. We want to make more progress on mobility and transport. We have made progress on increasing various payments but we want to do a lot more regarding income-related supports for children and families where there is disability. Right across the board, we want to make good-quality improvements for people with disabilities. We are determined to do that and to build on progress that has been made in most areas, bar the health area. I acknowledge that the issue of providing therapists to children has not worked at all. I am absolutely determined that this Government will do everything in its power to deal with this issue. At present, as an interim measure, we are providing finance and funding for procuring private capacity but, again, it is very often within the overall framework of finite capacity. There are so only so many therapists in the country at any one time.

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