Page 70 of the programme for Government states that this Government is committed to improving services and increasing supports for people with disabilities, particularly early intervention and early assessment for children with special needs. I submitted a parliamentary question a while ago to which I got a response from the HSE indicating that 559 children in Laois-Offaly are waiting on an assessment of need. This is appalling in light of the fact that the legal timeframe outlined in the Disability Act 2005 is that an assessment of need should be carried out within three months. The long waiting time is having a major and negative impact on children with special needs. What actions will the Government take to reduce the waiting time for children to have an assessment of need in Laois-Offaly?

I thank the Deputy for her question. We are aware of the difficulties not only in Laois-Offaly but in other areas. The establishment of disability network managers is taking place, as the Deputy is probably aware. I can find out if such a manager is in place in Laois-Offaly. We have made significant progress in recent months on establishing disability network managers in each of the areas who are tasked with managing access in this respect, and they are having quite a positive impact where they are in place. I will have to advise the Deputy if there is a disability network manager in place in Laois-Offaly.