Question from Deputy Michael Murphy - PQ 1000-26

To ask the Minister for Children; Disability and Equality if a child who is under the care of a local children’s disability network team (CDNT), but who is unable to access occupational therapy through that team due to staffing shortages or prolonged waiting lists, may access occupational therapy through primary care without losing their place or ongoing eligibility with the CDNT; if there is a national HSE policy governing this situation; if parents are being advised, formally or informally, that accessing primary care services may result in discharge from CDNT services; the way in which consistency is being ensured across CHOs in the application of this policy; and the steps are being taken to ensure that families are not penalised for seeking timely therapeutic supports for their children where CDNT capacity is limited. -Michael Murphy