In the programme for Government, there is a commitment to improving services and increasing support for people with disabilities, particularly in the area of early assessment and intervention for children with special needs. Today I want to raise the issue of assessment of needs for children in Cavan-Monaghan. The reality on the ground for parents is stark. They are being told that it will take two to three years to get an assessment for a child they know has autism or another intellectual disability and needs intervention. Then, having got the assessment, in most cases they wait two to three years for the intervention, whether occupational therapy, speech and language therapy or physical therapy. The Taoiseach and I both know that early intervention is crucial and critical to the development of those children. Will the Taoiseach see to it that these services are delivered in a much speedier fashion?

There is additional funding of approximately €90 million this year for services for people with disabilities and there will be additional funding next year as well. In terms of the specifics of it and where it will go, tabling a parliamentary question or a Topical Issue matter to be dealt with by the Minister of State with responsibility for disability issues would elicit an answer for the Deputy.