Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
1193. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that parents are now paying up to €1,600 for each element of a private multidisciplinary assessment; his views on whether this is an acceptable practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15493/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra1194. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the progress his Department has made in creating a mechanism for the HSE to pay for the private assessment of children with additional needs off the back of work done by campaigners (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15494/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1193 and 1194 together.
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. The Deputy will likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Fórsa grades in the HSE has been suspended. The HSE has indicated that it has recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs and representations to be responded to and has advised that it is working to get through these as soon as possible, while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs and Reps.
