Children's disability services
Deputy Mythen highlighted long waits for disability supports, including a wheelchair for a Wexford child, and referred to family forums. The Tánaiste said he could not give a date and would ask the relevant Minister of State to contact him.
I have been working alongside families in County Wexford who are campaigning for reform of children's disability services. They are fighting for the services and support their children desperately need. For example, one child, nine-year-old Leo Dixon, has been waiting more than 18 months for a wheelchair. He has outgrown his second-hand wheelchair and is not even capable of propelling it. I understand the establishment of family forums, which provides an opportunity for families to discuss general issues and ideas about children's disability services, will be an essential part of the children's disability network teams. However, the HSE has reported to me that, to date, no family forums have been established in County Wexford. These families I have been working with are already organising a second protest. They are the experts in this field and their message is clear - they want better disability services. Will the Tánaiste tell me when the family forums be established in County Wexford? Are any additional resources being provided to the HSE in County Wexford to establish these forums?
