Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 September 2025
154. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to amend sections of the Disability Act 2005 as it relates to assessments of need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50532/25]
View answerThe statutory right to an Assessment of Need (AON) and the timeframes within which an assessment should be produced are set out in the Disability Act, 2005. However, it is important to emphasise that, while children have a right to apply for an AON, they do not need one in order to access health services, including those provided by Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNT) or Mental Health Services. Nevertheless, demand for AONs has increased significantly in recent years, a reflection of both the increase in population and of families exploring all options for accessing services for their child.
There are a number of actions being progressed to support the effective and efficient provision of an AON to children who need them. In consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, the Department are currently reviewing potential legislative changes to Part 2 of the Disability Act, to support the effectiveness and efficiency of the AON process. The Department has been working with HSE senior management and experienced clinicians to identify those changes, with the intention of bringing forward legislation in the final quarter of this year. It is important to note that any changes will not affect the statutory right of any individual to access an Assessment of Need or the statutory timeframes set out in the Act.
Ensuring timely access to an AON for children continues to be a key priority for this Government.
