113. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will outline her plans to reform and improve the provision of children’s disability network teams, as outlined in the programme for Government. [8145/25]

Sentiment score: 0.15

I wish the Minister and the Minister of State well in their roles. Will the Minister of State outline her plans to reform and improve the provision of children's disability network teams as outlined in the programme for Government?

Sentiment score: 0.51

We received a response this week to a parliamentary question on the issue, in which the HSE cites staff vacancy as one of the major issues. That aligns with what the Minister of State says about being able to work with as many children and young people as possible in the State. Are we confident that we are maximising workforce opportunities from the point of view of third level education and in terms of those who are living abroad? From a Kildare perspective, some CDNTs have a 40% vacancy rate and 2,600 children are on waiting lists, 1,900 of whom are waiting more than 12 months for an intervention. That is notwithstanding the phenomenal work that happens once people can engage with the service. That is the story in so many regards. Is there anything more we can do to ensure those delays are minimised to really hone in on early intervention where possible?

Sentiment score: 0.20

I appreciate the Minister of State's response. That level of detail is very welcome. I offer the full support of the Social Democrats in progressing this in whatever way we can in terms of policy. This is incredibly important. We have spoken quite often in the Chamber in recent weeks about SET and disability services. There is an intersectionality between the two. It is not just about the level of care within the CDNT, as there is an impact on education and housing. It is cross-sectional throughout society. I appreciate the commitments the Minister of State has made here this evening and in the programme for Government. I look forward to continuing the dialogue with the Minister and the Minister of State in regard to that in the coming months and years. I reassure them of our support. We must maximise the encouragement of ways in which we can bring in staff. That will be the best way to reduce waiting times and ensure children get timely services.

Sentiment score: 0.34