Tipperary TD Michael Lowry raised the issue of services for children with Special Needs in the Dáil last evening. An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed in response that the Disability Action Plan and Roadmap will be published shortly.
The Tipperary TD wants the Government to increase funding for the sector in the upcoming budget – this is to be delivered on October 10th.
An Taoiseach says that the Roadmap focuses on staffing and also on using innovation in Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNT’s). To increase the number of therapists working in Ireland Therapy roles will be on the Critical Skills List for people seeking Work Permits to come and work in Ireland. The State will also fund the sponsorship of the Masters Conversion Programme. In addition there will be extra places created via the CAO system for College for next year to train more therapists in the longer term.
Deputy Lowry says that ‘as a country, we have disregarded the voices of children and young adults with Special Needs, failed to support parents and families and have not provided adequate support to teachers. Deputy Lowry outlined how families are at breaking point in providing care for their children due to a lack of state support and services including respite places.
Deputy Lowry also called for the wider provision of Summer Programmes saying that they provide a continuation of daily routines, which helps children feel more secure and would also be beneficial to families.
