Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes raised a matter with which I believe we all have dealt in constituency work, namely, the inability to get speech and language and occupational therapists, particularly speech and language therapists, for young children who would be helped greatly by such therapy, especially if they are on the autism spectrum where speech is very deficient in many young children. The Senator said there are 25 unfilled positions in Dublin city and county. The reason is the HSE has laid down the need for three years' training before people can take up a position with it. That seems very heavy-handed and I will inquire about it.

Senator Brian Hayes also asked if the Bill proposed by the Progressive Democrats is a Government one. I do not know because the person who promoted it is not present but I am sure he will be later. Senator Minihan is not aware of what is to happen to the Bill.