Dáil debates

Wednesday, 8 November 2006

Adjournment Debate

Special Educational Needs.

9:00 pm

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me the opportunity to raise this important matter.

I was originally contacted by Darryl Kenny's mother last February because she had been seeking occupational therapy for her son since August 2005. Darryl commenced primary school in September 2005. His mother had requested occupational therapy services, which was supported by Darryl's resource teacher. Darryl suffers from dyspraxia with sensory integration disorder. As a result he has difficulty gripping a pencil correctly and this has impeded his progress in writing. Unfortunately, as Darryl progressed through junior infants, it became apparent that without the necessary occupational therapy sessions, his writing would not have progressed enough to proceed to senior infants. In September 2006, more than a year since the original request for occupational therapy services had been made, Darryl commenced his second year in junior infants.

His parents were so frustrated by their inability to access this service for their son that they felt obliged to see a private consultant with a view to an assessment of Darryl's needs. This is evidence of yet another failure in our health care system where long delays force concerned, taxpaying families out of the public health service, which their taxes are funding. The consultant's report recommends two sessions per week with an occupational therapist for Darryl. His very concerned mother has been in almost weekly contact with the senior occupational therapist in the district since receiving the recommendation that Darryl should have two sessions per week. Unfortunately, she recently received an e-mail from the senior occupational therapist, which stated that in this, the last quarter of 2006, they are only working on the 2003-04 list. Let us assume they are working on the last quarter of 2003 or even the first quarter of 2004, they are approximately three years behind schedule, which is an incredibly long time for a child in junior infants to wait for occupational therapy services.

Anecdotally, I am led to believe from other sources that no occupational therapist is in place to cover that part of County Wexford. In 2006, it is unacceptable that so many children as well as other members of the community should not have access to occupational therapy services in a timely manner. Unfortunately, yet again, this is an example of how the most vulnerable in society — children and the elderly — are losing out through the lack of occupational therapy services. Does the Minister for Health and Children believe it is acceptable for a child in junior infants to have to wait three years for vital occupational therapy services? Does the Government understand the upset and frustration that a lack of services causes to children and their parents? Every parent wants to ensure his or her child receives all he or she needs to reach his or her full potential in life and every child needs to know from an early age that his or her needs are important, that they have the same potential as their classmates and that they will succeed.

The Minister has held this portfolio for more than two years. Is she aware of these extraordinarily lengthy waiting times? I hope she does not find them acceptable. What steps has the Minister taken to deal with the problem? By this, I mean practical initiatives and increased funding rather than reviews by the HSE. Has there been a targeted recruitment drive to employ more occupational therapists? From discussing the matter with colleagues, this is a serious issue across the country, not just in County Wexford. Is a specific plan to reduce waiting times in place? What is the target waiting time for occupational therapy in County Wexford and how soon is the achievement of that target anticipated? When can Darryl and his parents look forward to receiving the two occupational therapy sessions per week he desperately needs? He must avail of the service as soon as possible.

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I will outline to the House the position regarding the provision of occupational therapy services and additional funding provided for services for children and adults with a disability in 2006. I thank Deputy Kehoe for raising this matter on the Adjournment and I am making the reply on behalf of the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney.

The question of providing therapy services is a matter for the Health Service Executive in accordance with its functions under the Health Act 2004. The executive has advised the Minister that in regard to occupational therapy in the Wexford region, there are two approved posts for senior paediatric occupational therapists. One post has been filled and that therapist concentrates on early intervention services. In the past year, Wexford Community Services has experienced difficulties in appointing a second occupational therapist due to a shortage of skilled staff at national level. The Minister is pleased that she has been informed by the HSE in Wexford that it has secured the services of a suitably qualified therapist, who was appointed in mid-August. The appointment of a second therapist will, in time, alleviate the waiting list pressure that has built up for this service.

Three new occupational therapy courses commenced in the 2003-04 academic year in University College Cork, the National University of Ireland, Galway, and the University of Limerick. In total, these courses provide an additional 75 training places. This expansion in training numbers has been identified in the Peter Bacon and Associates report commissioned by the Department, entitled Current and Future Demand Conditions in the Labour Market for Certain Professional Therapists, as being sufficient to meet the long-term requirements for occupational therapists. Therapists currently qualifying from these courses will address staff shortages.

The Minister would like to take this opportunity to highlight the 2006-09 multi-annual investment programme for people with disabilities, which is part of the national disability strategy being implemented by the Government. Additional funding of €51.5 million has been provided by the Government in 2006 to develop services for persons with intellectual disabilities. Further substantial funding of €22.5 million is also being provided in 2006 to enhance the multi-disciplinary support services for children and adults with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities and those with autism. The funding will also help to address core underfunding and staffing issues in services for people with disabilities provided by the voluntary sector.

Capital funding amounting to €45 million has been provided also in 2006 to develop the buildings and facilities for the new services. The extent of this extra funding, a total of €119 million this year alone, is clearly a strong illustration of the Government's commitment to improve our disability services nationwide.