Cavan and Monaghan have been facing some of the longest wait times in Ireland for children’s therapies.
That’s according to the Taoiseach, Michéal Martin, who was responding to a question from local TD, Brendan Smith this week.
Deputy Smith said that the system of needs has not been working and highlighted the "unacceptable delays" for children across the Northern Sound Region.
He believes staff shortages in therapists across Cavan and Monaghan need to be prioritised by the HSE for urgent attention.
In his response, the Taoiseach said that the root of the cause has been "a chronic staff deficit".
He said that since 2020, about 40 therapists have been recruited in Cavan and Monaghan, bringing the total to 117.
The Taoiseach added that the national children's disability network team, CDNT, recruitment campaign attracted over 500 applications.
Appointments are actively being progressed and staffing has increased by 28% nationally.
