The further health of hundreds of Fingal children is being jeopardised while on waiting lists

-       30% of those on waiting lists in the North County have been waiting over two years for assessment by and Early Intervention Team -

“Leaving so many young children awaiting assessment by an Early Intervention Team in North County Dublin is leaving their futures at risk,” said local Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien.
The Deputy was commenting having received data through Parliamentary Question this week that reveals over 600 children in North County Dublin are currently waiting for assessment by an Early Intervention Team. A total 267 children are now waiting over a year for an appointment.
“When I questioned the Minister for Health on this matter, I anticipated that the figures would be quite bad but the information I’ve received this week exposes a very worrying situation for hundreds of vulnerable children and their families in the North County.
“To have a child identified in the first instance as needing an assessment appointment for Early Intervention Services must be an incredibly upsetting and fearful time for any parent.
“The fact that their needs are not being met and are in fact being ignored at a crucial time in their development is frightening really. This is especially so when we know and are told by medical professionals that the earliest possible intervention is essential in the longer-term.
“How has it come to pass that in a developed country such as Ireland that it’s accepted that the future health of our children can be jeopardised in this way?
O’Brien concluded, “The State has an absolute obligation to do better by these children. I will continue to demand that these waiting lists are reduced and that the resources are put in place to carry out assessments at a greater pace.”