Andrew Carey
A SIGNIFICANT increase in funding for Limerick’s three children’s disability teams had been called for Independent General Election candidate Emmett O’Brien as some children are waiting up to two years to be seen.
Figures released to Cllr O’Brien suggest an increase in resources is not only necessary to provide essential early intervention services to the growing number of children being added to the list, but also to sustain and improve a vital service straining at its seams.
“According to the most up to date figures provided by the HSE, 10 per cent of Limerick children requiring Autism and Speech and Language Therapies are on waiting lists –some up to two years. The three Limerick children’s disability teams, West Limerick Children’s Services (Newcastle West), Treehouse Team (St Gabriel’s Centre) and Blackberry Team (Blackberry Park), oversee 1,309 cases. There are another 131 on Speech and Language and Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment Waiting Lists,” said the County Limerick General Election candidate.
“It is also acknowledged that the Limerick children’s disability teams’ caseloads are increasing. The prevalence of autism is increasing with an average of 43% of all children on the teams now having autism diagnosis, and Treehouse Team records showing a 51% diagnosis rate,” said Cllr O’Brien.
“I have met numerous County Limerick parents of children with autism who are struggling to have their children assessed and then properly supported. Either the almost €2.7 million spent on the three teams needs to be more efficiently spent or significantly increased.
“I would suggest the later, as investment in these early intervention services now will not only improve the quality of life of some of our most vulnerable citizens, but will also provide financial savings to the state and our health services long term,” he added.
“It has been proven that early intervention significantly improves the lives of these children and their families, and we as a country owe our citizens the best possible future. Investing now in these services is a win win situation for us all.”
