The trade union IMPACT have accused the Western Health Board (WHB) of denying health and education services to children with severe learning and behavioural difficulties by laying off clerical and administration staff.
The union said clerical support was withdrawn from a specialist psychology service set up by the health board last year to help children with Attention Deficit Disorder.
Although children are being assessed, it is now impossible to prepare reports necessary for special education, medical, speech therapy and occupational therapy services. IMPACT says the senior psychologist appointed to establish the service, which covers Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, now spends much of her time answering phone queries.
This work was done by a clerical officer who was let go on September 9th. The WHB denied that a particular individual was "sacked".
A spokesperson said the team responsible for the development of Attention Deficit Disorder services will continue to provide the services to the three counties.