The body which represents speech and language therapists has queried why it was not asked to address an Oireachtas committee meeting today on HSE plans to change assessment of need for children.

The HSE has been warned that concerns voiced by psychologists and therapists over a revamp of assessment of need for children have not gone away amid calls for fresh consultation on the issue.

Occupational therapists have criticised changes to an assessment of need for children under disability legislation, just as a High Court judgement will compel the HSE to deliver outstanding assessments within six weeks for two families who challenged the former system.

MORE THAN half the country’s college students are being forced to work to meet the €7,000 cost of keeping themselves going until next summer.