14. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on health will next meet. [10030/26]

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We know that early intervention is key in a child's development. There is no earlier intervention than a newborn child receiving a developmental assessment from a public health nurse. According to the HSE, a child should receive a developmental assessment at the first visit, at three months, at nine to 11 months, at 21 to 24 months and at 46 to 48 months. In Dublin Mid-West, we have a postcode lottery of access to public health nurses. Only two health centres out of the 12 in Dublin Mid-West are able to offer the full range of developmental checks to newborns and infants. Babies from Adamstown, Deansrath, Palmerstown and Rowlagh are only getting first visits due to a shortage of public health nurses, prompting concerns that there could be a delay in diagnosing certain conditions. Infants from Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart, Citywest, Brittas and Fettercairn are not getting developmental checks after three months. This is not the first time I have raised this issue with the Taoiseach and other Members in this House. When will all the babies and infants in Dublin Mid-West receive these vital developmental checks?

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Ten out of 12 healthcare centres are not delivering them.

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