Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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105. To ask the Minister for Health the action that he intends to take concerning the ongoing inability to staff the disability network teams; the impact that is having on early intervention for children with developmental delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50101/22]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Since 2019, more than 475 new posts have been funded to Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) across the country. In addition, further to recent discussions with An Taoiseach and relevant Government Ministers, the HSE and its CDNT Lead Agencies will receive funding for an additional 136.3 WTEs to provide services in 104 special schools. 

However, the health and social care sector is experiencing ongoing challenges in both recruiting and retaining staff. With regard to CDNTs, this has impacted on the ability of the HSE to recruit to these areas. 

The HSE continues to explore a range of options to enhance the recruitment and retention of essential staff across all aspects of the health services, including for CDNTs. In addition, the HSE Community Operations Disability Services is working collaboratively with the CDNT lead agencies at CHO level to promote CDNTs as a workplace of choice in a competitive employment market.