Fine Gael rap for ‘shocking’ disability care

CHILDREN’S disability services are “truly shocking” under Fine Gael, a Fianna Fail TD claimed yesterday.

Margaret Murphy O’mahony said provision is deteriorating as more than 37,000 children await assessment or treatment.

She also criticised the HSE for failing to recruit enough staff.

Ms Murphy O’mahony said: “The waiting times for children to receive first assessment for occupational therapy are truly shocking – 6,531 under-18s are waiting over a year.

“There has been no increase in therapists employed in the first eight months of this year.”