Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. I have just double-checked my figures there and 308 full-time with 234 in place is 76%. That means there are 74 therapist staff members who are vital to delivering really urgent therapies to children. If the Minister of State Googles CDNTs and what they do, she will read they are about child development and permitting kids to reach their maximum potential. How can children reach their maximum potential if they are not getting the therapists, therapies and the support they need? How heartbreaking must it be for parents to look at their child not getting the support, therapies or the vital help they need from the State? If these children do not get the support when they need it, they will never catch up. It will have a lifelong effect on their ability to develop, be the best they can be and live to their potential. There needs to be an urgent recruitment policy with additional funding because we need to get 100% staffing levels, and anyone who is out must be covered.

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