Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)

The figures released by the HSE this week to my colleague, Deputy Quaide, reveal a truly shocking level of waiting times for essential primary care services for children. My constituency of Dublin North-West has recorded the longest waiting time in the country for psychology services for a child, with one waiting 706 weeks, or 13 and a half years, for psychological care. I cannot understand how a child whose parent probably contacted the HSE and was probably referred by a GP in need of psychological supports, be that for mental health trauma or developmental need for intervention, has been left waiting for 13 and a half years for that support from the State.

The longest wait time in the country for speech and language therapy is over six years, or 313 weeks, also in my constituency of Dublin North-West. What is going on here? Everything we know about children and psychology is that early intervention is absolutely key. From speech and language to behaviour to dealing with trauma, early intervention in children is absolutely essential so they can develop and grow and reach their potential and the issue they face is addressed and does not leave lifelong impacts.

I am not surprised by these figures because I have been contacted by many parents in my constituency who have children with additional and developmental needs. While working with them, they have told me they have been stuck on waiting lists for primary care supports, therapies and interventions. They have told me about the stress and anguish they face, their frustration and experience and the negative impact on their children of being unable to get the vital services they need. One particular case in my constituency concerns a mother who contacted me about her young son. He received an autism diagnosis in April 2024 and the diagnosis report indicated that follow-on psychology, occupational therapy and speech therapy were required. When looking for these services, however, she has been left utterly heartbroken by the lack of availability of services. Over a year later, she has not been able to secure any therapy for her son, particularly occupational therapy, which she was advised he would need and from which he would really benefit. Like so many others, she has had to pay privately for speech and language therapy. Many children are being impacted by this in my constituency and across the country. They are being denied the right to see therapists and get speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and psychological support when they need it most.

The crisis is one of a lack of staffing. There is a number of reasons for this, particularly the HSE primary care strategy known as pay and numbers, as well as the recruitment embargo, but also issues with retaining and attracting staff and Dublin is a particular issue. We know the cost of housing is a major issue, but other issues raised with me by staff in these services include childcare and a lack of maternity care. We do not see staff being replaced. Will the Minister of State explain why the waiting lists for psychology and speech and language therapy in my constituency of Dublin North-West are the highest in the country? What is he going to do to ensure these wait times are reduced and that children and their families have access to the primary care services they urgently need?

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