Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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145. To ask the Minister for Health the actions being taken by his Department to reduce waiting times for children to be assessed by a primary care occupational therapist (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43758/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The HSE's National Service Plan 2013 provided for additional funding of €20m to strengthen primary care services (€18.525m for the recruitment of 264.5 primary care posts and €1.475m to support Community Intervention Team development).

Of the additional 264.5 posts allocated, 52.5 whole-time equivalent Occupational Therapy posts were approved. These posts are currently being recruited, with final clearances being processed and it is intended that they will be filled by the end of 2013. It is expected that these additional posts will have a significant impact on the current waiting lists for Occupational Therapy services.

The HSE is also considering measures to reduce situations where significant numbers of patients, particularly in the 0-18 years age group, fail to attend or where their appointments are cancelled at very short notice.