The system used for the assessment of children with complex needs is failing and in urgent need of reform, according to Children and Disabilities Minister Norma Foley.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Minister Foley said the current Assessment of Need (AON) process is “not serving anyone” and must be completely “reimagined”.
The remarks come as new figures from the HSE show that 14,221 assessments were overdue at the end of December — despite a legal requirement for these assessments to be completed within six months of receiving an application.
Under the Disability Act 2005, families are entitled to an assessment to identify if a child has a disability and what supports they may require. However, long delays in the process have become a persistent issue in recent years, leaving thousands of children and their families in limbo.
Minister Foley acknowledged the frustration felt by families and professionals alike and called for a shift in focus. “We need to get therapists out from behind desks and into delivering therapies,” she said, highlighting the burden of paperwork currently placed on frontline staff.
The Minister said the Government is working to overhaul the system but admitted significant changes are needed to ensure children with additional needs get timely support.
Advocacy groups have repeatedly warned that delays in assessments can have long-term impacts on a child’s development, education, and quality of life.
