Seanad debates

Wednesday, 7 March 2007

3:00 pm

Photo of Ulick BurkeUlick Burke (Fine Gael)

I will conclude shortly and hand over to my colleague, Senator Browne.

The position regarding the National Educational Psychological Service — NEPS — is a sorry one. I will give two examples, one from Dublin and another from Galway, to allow the Minister of State to judge the gravity of the problem. The position as regards early childhood services at the Brothers of Charity service in Galway is as follows. From the date of referral by a consultant paediatrician children must wait at least six months to be placed on the service list. Following a six month wait they are offered one hour every two weeks with a community nurse. Following further waiting, the child will be seen by specialists in speech and language and occupational therapists. There is a long waiting list to see occupational therapists.

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