Assessments of need delays
Deputy Buckley highlighted long waiting lists for children's assessments of need, and Deputy Ward said parents were resorting to court while the State spent heavily on defence costs. The Chair urged co-operation as the issue was presented as a serious failure in timely assessments.
Over 5,000 children are on a waiting list for assessment of need appointments. It is totally detrimental to the development of children. What can this Government do to reduce these waiting lists and support these children and their families?
Comment on this
On the same issue, the Disability Act 2005 states that an assessment of need for a child should be completed within six months. There have been 115 applications by parents to the Circuit Court seeking the enforcement of assessments of need. The State agency has reported to me and the HSE that it has received 30 claims in respect of assessments of need. To date, no payments have been made to any parents. Whilst no payments have been made to any families, children or parents, the State has paid €700,000 in defence costs. It is defending the indefensible. That €700,000 could be spent on providing needs assessments of need.
