6. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach to report on the implementation of the well-being framework launched by his Department. [9300/25]
Sentiment score: 0.04
I would like to deal with mental health well-being. I spoke previously to the Minister of State, Mary Butler, about the fact that we have to look at the Mental Health Bill. We have all come across issues with getting the required supports for people in absolute distress, including those who have been arrested under the Mental Health Act. When the Garda calls a doctor, the doctor will assess the situation on the basis of how he or she finds it and how the law produces the framework, but it is not always imperfect. I accept that clinicians have to make these decisions but there is definitely a lot that needs to be done. I support those who have spoken previously about the need for interim funding for SOSAD. While I accept what the Minister of State said about the service level agreement, it is about interim funding and keeping the doors open. I literally just took a call in relation to someone in real distress and dealt with the Minister of State on it. We all want to get a solution for people in these circumstances.
Sentiment score: 0.19
Whatever can be done.
Sentiment score: 0.00
22. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach the way the new disability unit within his Department will function. [9301/25]
Sentiment score: 0.00
There are huge issues in disability. This has already been spoken about in relation to the parents having to involve themselves in that kind of outdoor protest and the section 39 workers are balloting for strike action. I want to talk about the interim October 2024 CDNT workforce report and the 529.77 whole-time equivalent positions which are unfilled. When that report is finished, obviously there will be a plan for filling that gap, but if an audit is carried out and we fill all those positions, it is likely we will be able to deliver on the need that is out there. The Taoiseach has often said he believes in the school inclusion model. We require an holistic school inclusion model. When is that going to happen?
Sentiment score: 0.00
My main question was about the workforce report for the CDNTs and about the school inclusion model being the solution the Taoiseach has often spoken about.
Sentiment score: 0.32
I return to the issue of school-based therapies. I welcome that this will be rolled out in special schools in September. I would like to think these will be holistic therapies. Some families are worried they will just be school-based and it is vital that teachers, SNAs and parents are all made aware of what best practice is. At times, even technological back-up is absolutely vital and should not be left out. When do we move to school-based therapies being rolled out properly in the context of mainstream? I spoke about the October CDNT workforce report which stated there were nearly 530 whole-time equivalent CDNT positions unfilled last October. When will this report be published? Even allowing for having a plan and those spaces being filled, I would like to think this report could lay out what the actual need is.
Sentiment score: 0.27
The CDNT workforce report that was carried out in October. I imagine that, within it, there is an audit of what the need is and whether filling all of those positions will be enough. If we cannot do it, even with the best will and planning in the world, through the CDNTs and primary care, school will be the only place for this issue to be sorted out. We need to deal with this as soon as possible.
Sentiment score: 0.20
It was meant to happen in January.
Sentiment score: 0.00