1656. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health further to the lifting of the recruitment embargo, if improvements will be made in respect of the number of occupational therapists currently working within HSE services in counties Louth and Meath, for both adults and children, to drive down the unacceptable waiting lists in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34134/24]

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.