More than 900 children on waiting list

Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen has criticised the Government for its failure to deliver additional resources for children waiting to access Occupational Therapy.

There are currently more than 900 children under the age of 18 in the Laois/Offaly area waiting for more than a year for occupational therapy assessment.

Deputy Cowen said the failure to provide occupational therapy for children in need of assistance can have a detrimental impact on their overall development.
'It’s simply unacceptable that over 900 children in Offaly and Laois have been stuck on assessment waiting lists for over a year. It clearly shows that children are being denied access to services which they need to improve the quality of their lives,' he began.

“I have raised this issue with Minister for Health Simon Harris and have been informed that the current backlog is as a result of the reduction in the availability of Occupational Therapy resources.

“Minister for Disabilities Finian McGrath gave a firm commitment to increase Occupational Therapy resources while at a meeting with local representatives in Offaly. This commitment remains unfulfilled.

'It’s deeply disappointing that Occupational Therapy services in Offaly remain chronically under-resourced, especially considering the fact that a local Government Deputy is currently a Junior Health Minister. It indicates that this issue simply isn’t a priority for the current Government.