Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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12. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to extend the children's disability network team for the Finglas area in CHO 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61101/22]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) were established in Community Healthcare Organisation Dublin North City & County (CHO DNCC / CHO 9) on 20th September 2021. 

The focus of CDNT service delivery is child & family centred, enabling the child and family conduct exercises and activities at home that enhance their lives. 

Since the CDNTs were established in CHO DNCC, there have been some noticeable improvements in the level of service children and families are receiving. Currently, there are c. 3,678 children’s cases open in the 12 CDNTs across CHO DNCC. 

Regarding the Finglas CDNT, this team are experiencing over 50% staff vacancies at this time. In order to reduce waiting times for CDNT services, the HSE and lead agencies continue to explore options to improve access to services. CHO 9 has recently launched a targeted international recruitment campaign for staff grades across disciplines and interviews are ongoing. CHO DNCC Specialist Disability Services are actively recruiting staff and anticipate three WTE clinical grade staff to commence posts with the Finglas CDNT during Quarter 1 2023. In addition, increased administrative support will be provided to the Finglas CDNT to free up clinical staff to provide therapy interventions. Other initiatives include clinical student placements and sponsorship. 

There is ongoing engagement with families and service providers to discuss initiatives for service delivery in 2023.