There are 9,332 children waiting for physiotherapy appointments, with 1,827 of these children waiting over a year, according to figures released by the HSE to Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Mark Ward TD.

Teachta Ward said:

“Any delay in treatment for children will have a detrimental impact for them reaching their full potential and developmental milestones.

“There are 9,332 children waiting for physiotherapy appointments, with 1,827 of these children waiting over a year, according to figures released to me by the HSE.

“Physiotherapists can help children, particularly those with disabilities, to improve movement and function in the body; addressing problems with muscles, bones or the nervous system. But it is vitally important that children access this treatment in a timely manner.

“1,827 children waiting over a year is unacceptable; 606 of these children are under the age of give.

“There is also an element of postcode services here. Depending where you live, you may get a different level of treatment.

“CHO Area 8, which serves Laois/Offaly, Longford/Westmeath and Louth/Meath, has a waiting list of 2,228 children, while CHO Area 6, which serves Wicklow, Dún Laoghaire and Dublin South East, has 316 children waiting on physiotherapy

“In my own area of Dublin Mid West, there are 744 children waiting on this vital treatment.

“We need the government to act on this, and provide a unity of service across the state so that children can access the care they need, when they need it and where they need it.”