Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

Specifically in relation to the private capacity, €10 million was made available last year. I did say that if at any point more were required and if there were capacity to do more, more funding would be made available. It is our estimate that between €18 million and €20 million will have been spent, and a further €20 million has been secured in budget 2026. If more is required again in 2026, we will not be found wanting.

We need to look at other measures as well. For example, the HSE is looking at a single point of access model, which I think will be very helpful. It will mean that children will be referred to the right supports and not be placed on a number of different waiting lists. That will be a significant step forward. The HSE is also introducing an autism protocol, which will mean that there will be a specific autism assessment. It is important to remember that 45% of assessments of need in the third quarter of this year alone led to an autism diagnosis. Looking at all levers, whether it is the change in legislation, the private capacity-----

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