I welcome Minister Rabbitte's recent announcement about a waiting list initiative for assessments of need and the procurement of private assessments. I sincerely hope those assessments can be carried out as quickly as possible. We are all well aware that there have been totally unacceptable delays for many years in children getting assessments of need and follow-up therapies. We must ensure that these children get their assessments in time because they determine their school placement. If the Minister can use the National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF, or any other mechanism to buy in additional capacity to minimise the delays in children obtaining these assessments, it would be a good day's work. I cannot stress enough, as I have done so often in this Chamber, the urgency of ensuring that those children get assessments and the necessary follow-up treatments in a timely manner.

I agree wholeheartedly with Deputy Smith on this. All of us know of children who are waiting far too long for initial assessments of need. The Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, has brought forward a plan for an additional €12 million in funding to be able to purchase assessments through the private sector, as well as giving consideration to using the NTPF model. I want that stood up as quickly as possible, as does the Minister of State. We all of us know of families who have waited far too long for their kids to be assessed. I know of two in Dublin Fingal. I am dealing with families who want what is best for their kids. We will continue with additional funding to drive down waiting lists and, most importantly, get the supports those children need as urgently as possible.