I ask the Taoiseach to act on the waiting list for autism spectrum disorder, ASD, assessments in Wexford and throughout the State. The reply to a recent parliamentary question revealed that 436 children have been waiting well over 12 months for an ASD assessment in Wexford alone. These holistic supports cannot be put in place if families are left waiting for up to four years for an assessment. This is causing years of setbacks for the children and puts the parents and siblings under duress. I urge the Taoiseach and the Government to address this emergency in Wexford and throughout the country. Children with special needs and their families deserve proper assessment services.

I agree with the Deputy, and the Government allocated substantial resources this year through the Department of the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, to increase dramatically the number of assessments. There was a long backlog over the years but this Government is determined to eat into it, reduce it significantly and give people not only the assessments they require in a timely manner but also access to services more generally.