Kilkenny children with disabilities left in limbo amid staff shortages
Staffing shortages at the South Kilkenny/North Waterford Children's Disability Network Team have been raised in the Dáil, with concerns over vacancy rates and lengthy waiting lists...
Concerns over staffing shortages at the South Kilkenny/North Waterford Children's Disability Network Team (CDNT) have been raised in the Dáil, with it claimed that more than half of posts within the service remain vacant while thousands of children across the region are waiting for supports.
Speaking during a Dáil exchange, Carlow–Kilkenny TD Natasha Newsome Drennan said 52% of posts in the South Kilkenny/North Waterford CDNT remain vacant, describing the figure as "a massive failing for children across these communities."
The deputy also highlighted waiting list figures, stating that more than 2,100 children across the region are currently awaiting CDNT services, with over 75% having waited for more than 12 months.
"These numbers just compound how slow progress is being made," she said. "Every day that a child in need is missing out on vital care is causing harm. It is as simple as that, so we need to see faster progress."
Deputy Newsome Drennan also referred to the planned closure of Carlow College, saying it had been a significant provider of social care courses in the region.