72. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on the current unfilled positions in CDNTs across the State; to outline her plans to deliver on assessments and therapies for children with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32285/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

Will the Minister of State provide an update on the current unfilled positions within CDNTs across the State and outline the plans to deliver on assessments and therapies for children with autism? We are all shocked with the assessment of need situation. Some 15,000 children at this point are being failed when it comes to the delivery of those assessments. Basically, the Government is in breach of the law. This figure could rise to 25,000. I will repeat what Cara and Mark Darmody said. Not only are they utterly dissatisfied with these figures, but they also do not believe the Government has explored the capacity in the private sector in this regard.

Sentiment score: -0.15

There are 414.5 whole-time equivalents. I thank the Minister of State. As she said, while this is a welcome increase a huge number of posts still need to be filled. I fear we are still talking about another four or five years, based on that growth, to deal with the number of unfilled positions. I have asked this before but does the Minister of State believe that if we fill all these positions, given how long that will take, we will have a fit for purpose service? There are issues in the delivery of the assessment of need. While I have no issue with having conversations with stakeholders, particularly SLTs, OTs and whoever else about the best way to deliver both assessments and therapies, I am very afraid of a move that is just about changing the law so the Government is not in breach of the law on assessments of need.

Sentiment score: 0.29

Recruitment and workforce planning are absolutely necessary. We all know the plan needs to be about delivering therapies to those who require them. There are still issues regarding schools and others where, no matter what answer I get from the Government benches, parents are still being told they require an assessment of need. What is the plan in relation to the assessment of need? I get where the general plan is but can I have a timeline for when the Minister of State believes all these positions will be filled? I fear that pay and numbers might have contributed to the suppressed positions. Does she believe that if all these positions were filled, and I accept she may be looking at changes to assessments and therapies, the service could then be provided to the children and families who are being failed now?

Sentiment score: -0.14