Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2025
636. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will consider implementing a streamlined approach for assessment of needs reports to ensure that each report completed is done to the same standard and with consistent use of language and terms. [35349/25]
View answerMy Department is committed to reforming the Assessment of Need (AON) process to streamline it for the benefit of children who need it. This is reflected in the current Programme for Government which includes a clear commitment to support families who are waiting for Assessments of Need and to ensure children and their families can access the supports they need.
It is important to be aware that, while children have a right to apply for an Assessment of Need, they do not need one in order to access health services, including those provided by Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams or Mental Health Services. However, it is accepted that the current system is not working as it should for children, many of whom are on long waiting lists for services. My Department and the HSE are working to address current delays children are facing through a number of actions including the improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the AON process.
Assessments of Need are completed to the standards which are required by the legal framework set out in the Disability Act 2005 and related Statutory Instruments, as well as HSE Standard Operating Procedures and HIQA Standards. The HSE continue to look at ways to ensure that the AON process is working effectively and efficiently.
