100. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on staffing levels and vacancy rates across the children’s disability network teams; how these are affecting service access for children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13292/26]

Sentiment score: 0.01

My question this morning is about referrals to children’s disability network teams, CDNTs. Will the Minister of State provide updates on staffing levels and vacancy rates across teams and how they are affecting services access for children?

Sentiment score: 0.00

I congratulate the Minister of State on her new Ministry and I wish her the best of luck with it. I agree with her on the need for early intervention. At the end of the day, we need results. Children and their families cannot wait and critical windows of intervention can be missed, which ends up with complex cases becoming more complex. My concern relates to with families, who have seen a child diagnosed and put on a list. They are waiting for a CDNT and they are not getting that support. The longer that goes on, the larger this problem is becoming. I appreciate that additional resources are being applied and delays are being addressed, but I would like to see a level of accountability and efficiency in how these services are being improved and expanded with the additional resources that are being applied. How accessible are these services and these teams to these families? How can we improve it further?

Sentiment score: 0.18

I thank the Minister of State for that update. Where they are being assessed and availing of a service within the CDNT, generally the feedback is positive but where they are not, they are ending up in a private system and having to pay. Alternatively, they are ending up in the primary care system. Where there is complexity of need, more often than not the facilities and services they need with regard to the specialities may not be available through primary care. That ends up putting additional burden on the primary care setting. I appreciate the additional resources. It is an area we are going to have to continue to be focused on. We need to try and meet the needs of individuals who are waiting far too long and get to a position in the whole area of service with CDNTs that is proactive in this space and not reactive. I appreciate the update this morning.

Sentiment score: 0.36