3114. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reasons for the shortage of qualified professionals in the areas of occupational therapy, dietetics, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, psychology and psychotherapy; whether she is concerned that these shortages are contributing to long-standing vacancies within Children's Disability Network Teams (CDNTs), including in Gorey CDNT where vacancies have reportedly remained unfilled for over 55 months; the measures being taken to recruit and retain staff in these disciplines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63574/26]

As this question refers to the service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.