Autism assessment delays
Deputy Moynihan said statutory time limits for disability assessments were being ignored and that children were waiting far too long, especially for autism assessments. The Taoiseach said parents were entitled to prompt assessments and undertook to have the Minister of State contact the Deputy.
Section 8(5) of the Disability Act 2005 sets down in primary legislation the time limit for children awaiting assessments for autism or any other disability. That is clearly being flouted, left, right and centre. There are many cases where people are waiting. According to communication with parents who were on to me this morning, they will not have an assessment until the middle of 2017 at the earliest. It is a disgraceful situation. Is the Government standing over section 8(5) of the 2005 Act or will it deliberately allow the services of the State to flout that Act and not have the assessment for children that is so badly needed, particularly for those on the autism spectrum and in the case of many other disabilities?
Comment on this
Parents are entitled to have accurate and up-to-date assessments of their children's needs as soon as possible. The Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, has had a substantial budget made available in respect of disability, and obviously the health budget is of such scale. I do not know the details of the case Deputy Moynihan mentions but I will have the Minister of State contact him.