Government must provide  a 'clear timeline' for disability service reform

Labour spokeswoman on disability Laura Harmon also raised concerns about occupational therapy waiting lists. Therapists help children with writing skills or sensory processing for example. Picture: Conor Ó Mearáin/Collins

A “clear timeline” is needed from the Government on how reforms to services for children with disabilities will be carried out, Senator Laura Harmon has said.

The programme for government commits to “delivering a step change in disability services” and also to “helping children get the therapies they need”.

However HSE data, released to the Labour party last week showed children’s disability network teams (CDNTs) are overworked and struggling to get through waiting lists.

Ms Harmon, Labour's disability spokeswoman, expressed serious concerns at “the alarming situation“ facing families in the south west. 

“Cork and Kerry have the highest regional waiting list and that is for psychology where there was 6,216 on the (national) waiting list at end of 2024 — a total of 5,275 of these were in Cork,” she said.

The data shows “thousands of children” are being “let down by the State” she said, referring to disability services and primary care services.

We need a clear timeline from the minister that sets out measures that will be made available in Cork and nationally to support children with additional needs.

“And there must be a roll-out of much needed in-school therapists, as well ensuring that every child will have a school place in September.” 

She called for “urgent action” on the lack of access to these therapies, indicating both Norma Foley, minister for children and disability as well as Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, health minister should be involved.

She also raised concerns about occupational therapy waiting lists. Therapists help children with writing skills or sensory processing for example. 

“In Cork, there were 3,736 waiting on first time occupational therapy assessments at the end of 2024,” she warned.

In addition, she pointed out the data shows 1,410 children waiting on an initial assessment for speech and language therapy in this county alone.

“A further 1,670 were awaiting initial speech and language therapy at the end of 2024 in Cork - the highest regional figure on this waiting list outside Dublin,” she said.

Children are also struggling to access audiology sessions where study of hearing, balance, and related disorders takes place. Ms Harmon said: 

It is very concerning that 2,235 children were waiting on appointments for audiology at the end of 2024 in Cork.

HSE Southwest has said they face recruitment challenges for the CDNT

The north east Cork CDNT should have the equivalent of 17.2 staff but has 12.6 instead. Other Cork teams face varying challenges, so while some roles are staffed to the approved level, many are not.

The situation is similar in Kerry although more roles appear staffed to the approved levels according to HSE data shared with the Irish Examiner last month.