Ivana Bacik (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I join with Senator Seery Kearney in marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. I also second the proposal from Senator Ó Donnghaile to amend the Order of Business to call in the relevant Minister to debate with us and explain the appalling conditions in the Skellig Star direct provision centre and to explain what it is proposed to do, urgently, about those conditions. As Senator Wall said, Senator Hoey raised this issue yesterday, and all of us who have been reading the reports have been distressed and concerned these appalling conditions. Yesterday, I wrote to the Ministers concerned, Deputies McEntee and O'Gorman, asking them to address this issue urgently but I have not yet received a reply. The Labour Party supports the proposed amendment, which I formally second.

I also echo the words of Senator Craughwell on disability and join with him in commending the Enough is Enough group, which staged a very effective event outside the Convention Centre yesterday. The group has done a great deal to highlight issues facing persons with disabilities. Like Senator Craughwell, I call for a debate on this issue in the Seanad to be held urgently, particularly in light of the disturbing findings reported on the "Morning Ireland" programme today regarding 5,000 children having been waiting longer than the law permits to have their needs, such as those associated with autism, formally assessed before they can access public health services.

Anyone who has had any engagement with the assessment services will be well aware of these dreadful waiting times, but it is concerning to see it set out that the average waiting time is 19 months, despite the stipulation in the Disability Act 2005 that assessments must be completed within six months. Children's lack of access to services, and the consequent serious effect upon the conditions from which so many children suffer, are serious issues. We had some very distressing reports about this on the "Morning Ireland" programme as well.