Support sought for families of children in need of OT

Calls have been made for the government to introduce financial support, perhaps by way of rebate, for families of children forced to seek private Occupation Therapy as well as access educational psychologists because of backlogs in the current health system.

Fine Gael’s TP O’Reilly stated there was a “shortage” in OT provision in Cavan-Monaghan and that families were forced to dig deep in their own pockets to ensure their children attain the best standard of care.

Expense

“It costs a lot of money,” said Cllr O’Reilly, who was supported in his motion by party colleague, Winston Bennett, who said it was “very hard” for families to access a range of supports necessary, including speech and language.

Cllr Bennett said he was aware of a situation where a position was not made permanent forcing the professional to seek employment elsewhere in the country.

Independent Shane P. O’Reilly added his voice to the debate, complaining that qualifications earned in the UK did not transfer south of the border.

He said there was a “need to bring” qualifications in line across the board, adding that such services be brought under the cross border treatment scheme.

Cllr O’Reilly said it was incumbent upon elected members to say these things for the young “children who can’t say it for themselves”.

In the current situation, where there are 650 children and young people linked in with the Child Development Team in Cavan currently but only 22 therapy posts to meet their needs, with 12 of these vacant, Fianna Fáil’s Aiden Fitzpatrick stated that the system is only operating at fraction of what it should be.

Cllrs Peter McVitty (FG), Patricia Walsh (FF) and Brendan Fay (Ind) all supported the motion.

Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley said it’s important vacant posts are filled as soon as possible.