Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
73. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the implementation of a single-point-of-access system, which will make it easier for families of children considered to have a need to be referred to the right service, whether that is a children's disability network team, primary care or child and adolescent mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72981/25]
View answerThis Government and I recognise the importance of early intervention for children with disabilities and ensuring they receive the right services at the right time.
The HSE has been developing a Single Point of Access referral model. This will ensure that children are referred to the appropriate healthcare service, whether that is Primary Care , Disability and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), at an early stage. As a result, children will not be put on multiple waiting lists or be passed from one service to another.
A National Single Point of Access (SPoA) Implementation Group was established in August 2025, to provide oversight of the implementation of SPoA project within each Regional Health Area (RHA) for Children's Community Services.
September 2025 six engagement events were held with key stakeholders involved in the delivery of Children’s Services including Children Disability Network Teams, CAMHS, Primary Care, family representatives, funded agencies and wider stakeholders to foster collaboration amongst all stakeholders
The HSE will continue the operationalisation of this initiative throughout 2026. To ensure smooth execution and oversight of the SPoA at a regional level, each of the six RHAs has prepared submit detailed implementation plans, aligned with national policy and local context.
The rollout will be supported by the continued development of the HSE Community Connects ICT system, which aims to bring all community health services onto one shared digital system.
I trust this information is of assistance to you, but should you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact me.
