Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
53. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the progress being made in reducing the number of children on the Balbriggan and Swords CDNT waiting lists; the number of staff recruited to CDNTs in Dublin in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72847/25]
View answerRecruitment and retention of staff remain a key priority for all Children’s Disability Network Teams within Integrated Health Area Dublin North County (IHA DNC) and Integrated Health Area Dublin North City & West (IHA DNCW).
As of the end of November 2025, 66% of approved Children’s Disability Network Teams posts in Integrated Health Area Dublin North County and 75% in Integrated Health Area Dublin North City and West are filled.
A range of national and local initiatives are underway to further strengthen staffing levels and increase access to services, including targeted national and international recruitment campaigns, the availability of permanent contracts, flexible working arrangements, enhanced professional development opportunities and additional administrative supports to maximise clinical capacity.
Disability Services and Lead agencies, including the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC), St Michael’s House (SMH) and Avista, across both Integrated Health Areas are fully committed to strengthening the Children’s Disability Network Teams workforce and improving timely access to services for children and families. Staffing levels and waiting times continue to be monitored to help ensure progress achieved is sustained.
I have been advised by the HSE that progress was made during 2025 in reducing the waiting lists for the Balbriggan and Swords Children’s Disability Network Teams, for which the CRC is the lead agency.
In January 2025, 355 children were on the waiting list for the Balbriggan Children’s Disability Network Team. The number of children awaiting access to Balbriggan Children’s Disability Network Team at the end of November 2025 is circa 163, which represents an approximate 54% decrease.
Similarly, the number of children on the waiting list for the Swords Children’s Disability Network Team reduced from 508 in January 2025 to circa 254 at the end of November 2025, representing a 50% decrease.
These improvements reflect ongoing efforts by HSE Integrated Health Area Dublin North County and Integrated Health Area Dublin North City & West Disability Services with the CRC to maximise use of existing resources through the Children’s Disability Network Team model of service delivery, ensure children are on the most appropriate pathway for services
Government will continue to support the HSE in improving access to Children’s Disability Network Teams, as required, for children and their families across all Integrated Health Areas including those serving Balbriggan and Swords.
