Joint Committee on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration to continue discussions on ‘Unmet Needs’ report

The meeting at 4.00pm in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House will hear from:

• Representatives from Enough is Enough, Linda Comerford and Vanessa Murphy;
• Representatives from Psychological Society of Ireland, and the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland, Mark Smyth and Odhrán Allen; and
• Child Rights Solicitor Gareth Noble and Legal Assistant Naomi Mulvany.

Committee Chair Deputy Kathleen Funchion said: “Last week we heard from the Ombudsman for Children on the key findings of his report – in particular the long waiting lists for the Early Intervention Scheme which can see children miss out on an Assessment of Needs before the age of five. The Committee now looks forward to hearing the views of these key stakeholders, including parents, professionals who work with children with disabilities and legal experts in the field of children’s rights, on the issues raised in the Unmet Needs report.”

The Joint Committee on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration  has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.