86. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in recruiting therapists for primary care in counties Cavan and Monaghan, taking into account the urgent need to reduce waiting times for children with additional needs seeking to access essential supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52459/25]

Sentiment score: 0.16

I have previously had the opportunity to mention to the Minister my serious concern about the ongoing delays for children with additional needs accessing therapies in Cavan and Monaghan. The delays that are occurring are absolutely unacceptable. Some children are assessed and do not get follow-up therapies and there are even delays in getting assessed. We need more clinicians in the Cavan and Monaghan area. I sincerely hope that additional efforts will be made to recruit more clinicians across particular therapy areas for those two counties.

Sentiment score: 0.11

I very much appreciate the Minister's determination to deal with this issue once and for all. At my clinics last Friday night and Saturday, there were a number of young parents with children who have not got assessments or therapies. One parent spoke to me about her son who got a speech and language therapy appointment in June 2021 and has not got one since. That child got an occupational therapy appointment in 2022 and 2025. Another of that young mother's children was assessed and diagnosed 18 months ago and there still have not been any follow-up therapies. There is an opportunity in the Cavan area, in particular, to outsource more therapies. Assessments are being outsourced, although I know that is not the answer to all our concerns. A few years ago, we discussed with the Minister's predecessor, Stephen Donnelly, in this House one night during Question Time the introduction of development therapy assistance. Speaking to clinicians, I believe that can help speed up the number of people delivering therapies and delivering services. I know some of the colleges of further education offer an initial course that enables students to go on to a university or institute of technology to pursue courses across different disciplines, including occupational therapy and others. That may not be included in the Minister's brief but the area of therapy assistance is an area we should pursue and make more progress in.

Sentiment score: 0.21

I thank the Minister. Another difficulty is that the CDNT in County Cavan is led by Enable Ireland. We know it has difficulties with recruiting and retaining staff because of the issue around section 38 and section 39 workers. I know that is a broader Government issue but it needs to be addressed. Have the universities and colleges made enough places available to ensure we have the professionals to deliver healthcare and meet the ongoing and increasing demand for different healthcare services across our country? I understand there is still a shortfall in the numbers graduating compared with those who are retiring. We must also consider the increased demand. An issue was brought to my attention at the weekend. It may not be absolutely accurate. Apparently, study in speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and other therapies takes the form of an apprenticeship in Britain rather than the traditional university or college route that we take. There may be a financial incentive for some students from our State to go to those colleges in Britain. It is an area that the Minister, the Department, the HSE and our colleges need to keep a close eye on. We do not want students being drawn from our State because of a monetary attraction to pursue a specific course at a British college.

Sentiment score: 0.07