Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
911. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if further to statements (details supplied) she will consider the serious issues raised in related correspondence. [10401/26]
View answerSensational Kids is an organisation delivering interventions to children over the last 10 years. It operates as a child development centre, providing subsidised therapy services for children and professional development training workshops for those working with children with special needs.
Sensational Kids employs approximately 30 staff, including a clinical team across child development centres in Kildare, Mayo, Monaghan and West Cork, providing supports such as occupational therapy, speech & language therapy and play therapy.
The HSE advises that it engaged with the CEO of Sensational Kids in 2023 and confirmed its commitment to working with them in supporting children with disabilities to access supports. Further meetings took place between both parties in 2023 and 2024 regarding a waitlist initiative for intervention and a building proposal for a National Child Development Centre and clarification was provided by the HSE regarding the steps and documentation that are required for completion of a capital submission.
With respect to the National Child Development Centre, HSE have advised the Department that several guidance meetings took place across 2024 and 2025.
A capital application was submitted by Sensational Kids; however, it was not aligned with the Regional priorities. This was communicated directly to Sensational Kids during the meeting held on 15th August 2025 with HSE representatives.
At that meeting, the HSE outlined the rationale behind its decision, which is based on future plans to expand Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) and Primary Care services to ensure equitable, accessible, and sustainable care within local communities.
Disability Services, Dublin South, Kildare & West Wicklow (DSKWW) continue to work with Sensational Kids who complete assessments for the Assessment of Need process in this area.
There was a specific procurement process by the HSE regarding Assessment of Needs and Sensational Kids were found suitable for this process, based on the certain specified criteria relating specifically to provision of assessment services. This is entirely distinct from any engagement with regard to other forms of service provision or capital investment.
The HSE have noted that while not in a position to support a national therapeutic centre, they remain open to engaging with Sensational Kids should the proposed service be reframed as a respite service rather than a therapeutic service, in line with identified needs and strategic priorities.
Officials in the Department will engage with officials in the Department of An Taoiseach, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and the team in Sensational Kids to arrange a meeting to discuss the current funding situation.
