In the area of disability, the programme for Government commits to improving change services through better implementation and collaboration to ensure the most effective interventions are provided for each individual to guarantee the best outcomes. However, in the Cork-Kerry region, children are facing waiting times of up to 12 months for equipment, such as wheelchairs and other medical equipment, while in other parts of the country there are no waiting times. For example, the HSE has confirmed to me that in area 5, covering Carlow, Kilkenny, south Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, there is no waiting list for equipment for children, whereas in Cork the waiting time is up to 11 and 12 months. Three weeks ago, there were 28 children waiting for equipment. As a result of raising this matter with the Minister, €30,000 was provided and equipment has been ordered for ten children, but there are a further 18 cases where the parents have not been given any date for when equipment will be provided. This is a matter of urgency. I ask the Taoiseach for the appropriate funding to be made available.

There is no excuse for that. There should be nobody waiting. No child with special needs should be waiting for equipment in the health service. That is my view. There is plenty of capital money there. They have come back in now towards the end of the year and there will be underspends in some capital areas. As a bottom line, there is no excuse for it. I will again engage with the Minister in that regard. People with special needs should get timely provision. I accept the Deputy’s point.