Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that it is unfair that these children and their families are being made to suffer all because this government is incapable of providing the services that a modern health service should provide as a matter of course.

Teachta Crowe’s comments come after HSE figures show that the waiting list for an Assessment of Need in the CHO7 area grew by 438 children in the past year.

Teachta Crowe said:

“In the past year, the number of children waiting on an Assessment of Need in the CHO7, which takes in Dublin South West, has grown by another 438 children.

“In July, there were 10,352 children on the list in that area alone. It is a staggering figure and one that the government have made zero progress in bringing down as there have been more than four hundred additional children now waiting compared to the July 2024 figure.

“Without a proper Assessment of Need, accessing services is all but impossible. We cannot even provide children with an adequate assessment so that they can go on to the waiting list of therapy services.

“It is unfair that they are making these children and their families are being made to suffer because this government is incapable of providing the services that a modern health service should provide as a matter of course.

“Children deserve timely assessment and intervention to give them the best chance at success. Early and ongoing assessment and intervention is key.

“Sinn Féin would develop a comprehensive workforce plan to fully staff CDNTs. We would streamline the recruitment process, double the number of undergraduate training places, and provide a job guarantee to health and social care graduates.”