Social Democrats deputy leader accuses HSE of manipulating waiting list figures

According to recent figures supplied by the HSE, the average assessment of need period is now over two years despite a legal requirement that an assessment be carried out within six months

Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan: 'The State is failing children and their families, creating huge stress and pressure.' File Photo: Leon Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

The HSE has been accused of manipulating waiting list figures to make it appear that fewer children are overdue their assessment of need.

According to recent figures supplied by the HSE, there were 14,221 children overdue their assessment — up 60% on the previous year. The data also shows that the average assessment period is now over two years despite a legal requirement that an assessment be carried out within six months of the application.

Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan claimed the data provided by the HSE minimises the true figure and that manipulation of waiting lists is taking place in some areas.

He said children are being put on an initial waiting list before being put on another waiting list. This is completely disingenuous and makes the figures unreliable, Mr O'Callaghan said during Leader's Questions.

The situation for families has deteriorated to the extent that they are taking a legal route to get the supports their children need.

Legal firms are now issuing complaints to the HSE on behalf of families after a three-month period before initiating legal proceedings after six months. 

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

When this approach is taken, the HSE will usually end up providing an assessment of need through contracting private services.

"Instead of the State forking out money for these legal fees, would it not be much better to spend the money instead on ensuring the legal timeframes are met in the first place?" Mr O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach.

"Even when a child gets their assessment of need, they are still waiting years for services and supports which often never materialise. 

"The State is failing children and their families, creating huge stress and pressure. This means children are being left behind during these critical early years of their development."

Micheál Martin said the provision of school-based multidisciplinary therapy services, particularly in special schools, is one initiative being examined. He said children's disability network teams (CDNTs) have faced challenges recruiting therapists to the current model which he believes is not working. 

Mr Martin also raised the issues of a lack of third-level training places and inefficient link-ups for follow-up services.

International protection applicant accommodation

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil TD James O'Connor raised the issue of 374 international protection applicants that are now being accommodated at the Quality Hotel in East Cork. 

Mr O'Connor said he first learned of this when the Irish Examiner reported it this week and said there was no public consultation.

The asylum seekers, from a range of countries, moved to the hotel in recent weeks despite an attempt to evict the roughly 450 Ukrainians accommodated there in January. 

The Cork East TD said if the Government is planning to change the use of the building it should be returned as a hotel, restoring around 70% of Youghal's tourist accommodation.