SlaNey NewS
Waiting on autism assessments Sinn Féin TD for Wexford, Deputy Johnny Mythen, has raised ‘serious concern’ around Autism assessment waiting lists in Co. Wexford following a Parliamentary Question which showed there were 436 children waiting more than 12 months for an Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment in the county. Speaking on the matter Deputy Mythen said, “Unfortunately, I am not surprised by the figures I have received from the HSE, which show over 500 children are awaiting an assessment in Co. Wexford, with 436 children waiting well over a year. “Families have contacted my office in a state of total despair looking for help for their children. Without an assessment, they cannot secure the necessary supports for their children.
Johnny Mythen TD
Appointment to the New Ireland Commission – Senator Malcolm Byrne The SDLP recently established the New Ireland Commission which has the aim of exploring in a meaningful way how we can build cooperation and partnerships on this island, in health, in education, in the economy, in other areas. Gorey Senator Malcolm Byrne is honoured to have been asked by SDLP Leader, Colin Eastwood, to serve as a member of the Commission along with academics, businesspeople, trade unionists, community workers, leaders of different faiths and others. The group includes a former Republican prisoner as well as the former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Malcolm says, “It is a progressive initiative that looks to bring people from different backgrounds and opinions on this island together to learn and share ideas... We have a lot of work to do to build a new Ireland and we must be willing to listen and work together.” n
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“When a family receives a diagnosis of autism for their child, there are obvious changes that may need to be made in terms of educational, healthcare and other supports to ensure the health, wellbeing and happiness of the child. “The appropriate supports cannot be put in place if a family is left waiting for an
assessment. This is highly stressful for the children, parents and siblings involved. “The worry of this is compounded by the effects of Covid-19, and the impact this pandemic has had on the wellbeing of many of these children. “The Minister has recently announced her intention to establish a Working Group to develop an Autism Innovation Strategy, but there appears to be no corresponding timeframe or terms of reference, and a date for when the long overdue strategy will be published. “While we welcome the Minister’s intentions, the delay is denying children vital services. “The children waiting 12 months and over already are seriously disadvantaged and should not have to wait on a promised strategy, they must be accessed now. “There is a clear onus on the current Government to provide proper additional resources to meet current demand and I am urging the government to intervene, because Autism services are at a disastrous all-time low.” n
76% increase in level of Disability Grant Funding for Wexford Co. Council The government has announced significantly increased disability grant funding of €762,039, which was the full amount sought by Wexford County Council, and with additional funding from the Council itself that will mean €846,710 will be available for adapting homes of those with a disability this year. This can be used for adaption such as grab rails, disabled access ramps, wet rooms, widening doors and converting rooms into downstairs bedrooms. Applications are made through Wexford County Council. Senator Malcolm Byrne says: “This is a welcome and significant investment in supporting those with a disability living in their own homes. I know the difference it can make.” n
Senator Malcolm Byrne