There are 18,934 children awaiting initial assessment for speech and language therapy.
More than 3,500 children in the Kildare region are waiting to be seen by specialist disability services, as part of a nationwide backlog that has left some families in limbo for over a year.
Figures released by the HSE reveal that 3,549 children in the area covering Kildare and surrounding areas are awaiting their first appointment with a Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) - the professionals responsible for assessing and coordinating support for children with additional needs.
Without the initial assessment, children cannot access therapies like speech and language, occupational or physiotherapy, as well as psychological services.
The Labour Party’s health spokesperson, Marie Sherlock, who obtained the figures published in today's Irish Independent, said the situation is causing huge stress for families.
Kfm recently highlighted how a local father sought support from CDNT services, only to be told he could take a course.
Meanwhile, the Education Minister is defending the Government's plans for children with additional needs.
The Dail is debating a Labour Party motion calling on the Coalition to ensure every child has an appropriate school place in their area next September.
Helen McEntee says 390 new classes for children with additional needs will open next year.
But Labour’s Ged Nash says children are still being left behind:
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