Mayo families outraged as HSE propose cutting frontline therapy hours in Mayo

Families in Mayo are expressing deep concern over a HSE proposal to suppress 35 hours of frontline Speech and Language Therapy from the Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT3), in order to create a new management post. This change is part of a national restructuring and will result in the permanent loss of a therapist from an already overstretched team.

Children in CDNT3 are currently waiting over three years for access to therapy. The proposed cut will extend waiting times even further, causing children to miss vital developmental windows and denying them the support they urgently need.

“This is not just a staffing change, it’s a direct blow to children who rely on these services to communicate, connect, and thrive,” said Paul Lawless TD. “Families are being told that governance and management expansion are more important than their child’s ability to speak.”

Preparations are underway for a recruitment competition for the new manager role, but no replacement is planned for the suppressed therapy post. This contradicts the very purpose of the CDNT model, which was designed to bring therapy closer to children and families.

Deputy Lawless is calling on the HSE and the Minister for Health to immediately halt any restructuring that reduces frontline capacity. Managerial restructuring should only take place in conjunction with the replacement of frontline therapy services. We cannot rob Peter to pay Paul. Governance and structural policy mean nothing if children are not receiving therapy. 

The HSE must stop prioritising glossy strategy documents and policy frameworks ahead of vital, life-changing therapy for children. All CDNT teams must be fully staffed to meet the needs of children and families. Direct care must be prioritised over administrative expansion.

“This is a national issue with local consequences,” Lawless added. “We must protect every hour of therapy, because every hour lost is an opportunity lost for a child’s development.”

Deputy Lawless is urgently seeking a meeting with senior officials in the HSE, Saolta, and the Minister for Health to discuss the proposal and outline its impact on children in Mayo.

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