Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
74. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on how his Department is addressing the waiting lists for clinical assessments identified through the assessment of needs (AON) process; if the budgetary allocation for this year is enough to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32243/23]
View answerChildren with complex needs access therapy services through the Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs). The Government and the HSE both acknowledge the challenges in meeting the demand for these crucial services and are acutely aware of how these challenges impact on children and their families. Waiting lists for services are being driven mainly by a shortage of suitably qualified therapy professionals to staff CDNTs.
The current delays in accessing therapy services are acknowledged and substantial work is ongoing by the HSE to maximise the capacity of CDNTs via recruitment campaigns, and other initiatives.
Funding has been provided for additional posts in recent years to enhance the capacity of Children’s Disability Network Teams and shorten waiting times. The overall funding in recent years provides for over 600 Whole Time Equivalent posts. In Budget 2023 approximately €11.5m has been allocated to address waiting lists for clinical assessments identified through the Assessment of Need process. It is intended that this funding will be utilised to procure diagnostic ASD assessments from the private sector.
In addition, I am very keen to see further and imminent development of Regional Hubs to undertake AON Assessments and this is currently under discussion.
The HSE is committed to the development of six Regional Hubs and is working across the CHO Areas to have these in place by 1st August this year. While the CHOs are at various stages in the development process, there are a number that have established Hubs or are at an advanced stage in the development process.
