Written Answers Nos. 212-231
214. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department is taking to alleviate concerns over the use of tangle nets in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17250/26]
View answerMy Department has been working to address a number of concerns associated with the use of tangle nets in the crayfish fishery.
Research has been undertaken by the Marine Institute to improve data collection and explore alternative fishing methods that mitigate by-catch, while supporting the economic viability of the crayfish fishery. This research has been funded by my Department under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
The Marine Institute recently published a report on catch, by-catch, fishing effort, and spatial distribution in the crayfish fishery in Tralee Bay and Dingle Bay from 2021 to 2024, providing valuable insights into the fishery and laying the groundwork for the development of sustainable conservation measures. My Department is currently examining the findings of the study and its recommendations.
There are a number of management measures in place to support the sustainability of the crayfish fishery (crayfish is referred to in the regulations as “crawfish”). These include the Crawfish (Fisheries Management and Conservation) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 233 of 2006) which provide for a ban on the taking of crawfish by means of nets in two specified areas off the Galway and Kerry coasts. The other measures in place require all crawfish containing a v-notch to be returned alive to the sea and prohibit the landing of any crawfish whose carapace length is less than 110 mm.
These measures are complemented by ongoing engagement between the Marine Institute and fishermen and women in the area, with these efforts aiming to reduce by-catch and ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery. In addition, my Department is engaging with the Marine Institute and inshore industry representatives on additional management measures for the crayfish fishery. Such measures will be based on scientific evidence and implemented in collaboration with the inshore fishing sector to minimise economic disruption while maximising conservation outcomes.
My Department is committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that future management decisions are informed, equitable, and effective, balancing ecological conservation with economic sustainability.
215. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received for a grant under the women's farmers capital investment scheme in TAMS 3; the number of grants paid to date under the scheme; if he will review an application (details supplied) which was refused although the applicant appears to be an ideal candidate for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17279/26]
View answerThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. All investments must be linked to Climate, Environment or Animal Welfare.
TAMS 3 has been hugely successful to date, with a total of 2,650 applications received under the Women Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (WFCIS). Of these, payments totalling €9.8 million have issued in respect of 680 applicants who have completed their investment and submitted valid claims, with payments continuing to issue on a weekly basis.
The person named submitted an application for grant aid in Tranche 9 of the Women Farmer Capital Investment Scheme, which closed for applications on 5 September 2025.
It was necessary to apply Ranking and Selection to Tranche 9 of TAMS 3, due to the very high number of applications submitted during that tranche period. Following the selection process, which took place in December, the person named failed to meet the qualifying mark compared to all other applications submitted under the Women Farmer Capital Investment Scheme. Their application will now go forward to Tranche 10, and will again undergo the ranking and selection process.
216. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of cattle paid for by meat processors under the factories insurance policy; the total value; the total insurance revenue collected by meat factories in the Republic of Ireland from farmers; the insurers for the factories, if it is an independent insurance broker or the factories own reserves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17312/26]
View answer217. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to undertake an investigation into the procedures around livestock insurance by factories, the eventuality under which the animal is covered by insurance; and the procedure for communication to farmers regarding insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17313/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 217 together.
Factories collect a number of voluntary levies, including insurance as well as contributions on behalf of farmer representative organisations. As livestock insurance policies are not statutory levies collected by processors on behalf of my Department, there is no legal basis for collating and or publishing the requested data.
Insurance cover and charges arising at the point of slaughter are commercial matters between cattle sellers and beef processors.
There are no plans at present to undertake an investigation into such charges.
218. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the measures to tackle bovine TB; the contact which has been made by his Department with relevant agencies in the North of Ireland; if he will disclose this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17385/26]
View answerBovine TB (bTB) is an ongoing emotional and financial challenge for Irish farmers. In recent years there has been a significant increase in bTB levels nationally. The reasons underpinning current high levels of bTB incidence are the expansion of the dairy herd resulting in increased levels of intensive cattle farming and the increased movement of cattle. These conditions allow heightened susceptibility to disease, whether that is TB or any other infectious disease.
On 9 September 2025, I launched the ‘Bovine TB Action Plan: Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland’ there are 5 measures and 30 actions underpinned by scientific research and veterinary expertise
Support herds free of bTB to remain free
Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB
Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a bTB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown
Help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity
Reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading bTB
The aim of the Action Plan is to reset the TB programme by putting in place measures necessary to tackle the current disease situation. These measures are targeting both transmission between wildlife and cattle and transmission between cattle.
I also secured an increased budget in Budget 2026 for the TB programme. This will allow the programme to focus on driving down disease through the implementation of the measures laid out in the bTB Action Plan.
At the end of 2025 the estimated herd incidence was 5.7% having started to fall in recent months. This reflects the combined efforts of all stakeholders in communicating the steps we all can play in reducing the risk of bTB on Irish farms. I expect this to accelerate as the bTB Action Plan is embedded further into the programme this year.
I wish to assure farmers and all stakeholders that they will be notified in advance of any changes to the TB programme through communication campaigns.
In addition to ongoing contact between my Department and its counterpart in Northern Ireland on bTB I recently launched with the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, Andrew Muir MLA, a pilot cooperation project to tackle bovine TB on a regional basis, as part of the Shared Island Initiative. This project will see both Departments collaborate in a pilot area in the north-east of Donegal and the north-west of Northern Ireland on measures that seek to ultimately lead to a reduction in disease levels, reactor numbers and exchequer spending on TB over time in both jurisdictions.
The project also aligns with both Departments’ strategies on the eradication of bovine TB and the objectives of the Shared Island Initiative of working together on an all-island basis to address common strategic challenges. Through the Shared Island Fund, the Government of Ireland will contribute €6.5 million towards the total projected costs (€11.7 million) over the five-year period of the pilot project, with the remaining costs being funded by my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, as applicable.
219. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the dog control stakeholder group will publish its report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17468/26]
View answer220. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his Department will publish the results of the public consultation of the dog breeding regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17469/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 220 together.
The Dog Control Stakeholder Group was established to consider policy and legislative matters, specifically in relation to the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. The group’s remit includes considering the need for legislative change. I am committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the group. I expect the dog control stakeholder group to revert to me with recommendations shortly.
My Department has started a process to develop a new Animal Welfare Strategy. The new Animal Welfare Strategy will act as a framework for engagement and collaboration to direct future activities with the aim of benefiting both animals and Irish society. A non-statutory public consultation ran to January 2nd this year to inform the development of this Strategy. As a non-statutory consultation, it is not intended to publish individual submissions, however the input received will culminate in the new Strategy being developed, agreed and published in Q2 2026.
My Department is not aware of a public consultation on the dog breeding regulations.
221. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has installed and implemented an IT system (details supplied) in his Department; and whether the system is used to process and store critical data. [17827/26]
View answerFor operational and security reasons, my Department has been advised by the National Cyber Security Centre not to disclose particular arrangements in place in relation to IT tools and services or details which could, in any way, identify potential vulnerabilities in Departmental Cyber-security arrangements.
222. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if there is a centralised referral system for children with additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17456/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
223. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if the Government will release the records relating to mother and baby institutions instead of keeping them restricted for up to 30 years. [17276/26]
View answerThe arrangements for preserving the records compiled by a Commission of Investigation in the course of its work are prescribed in Section 43(2) of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004. This provides that, prior to its dissolution, a Commission must deposit all records with the prescribed Minister. On the expiry of a 30-year period thereafter, such records will be transferred to the National Archives and access is regulated in accordance with the National Archives Act, 1986.In 2020 the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes informed the department that it had created a database in relation to the mothers and children who passed through 15 of the 18 institutions under investigation. The Commission indicated it believed it would be a valuable resource to assist information and tracing services for mothers and children, but it also felt it was compelled by law to redact much valuable information within.
To ensure that this database information could be preserved and be available to survivors directly, the Government brought forward legislation - the Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) Records, and another Matter, Act 2020. This Act provided for the deposit of the Commission's database with Tusla, in addition to transferring a copy of this database, together with the Commission's entire archive of records, to the Minister for Children.
Legislation enables the department to process subject access requests from people who wish to seek access to personal information that may be contained within the database and these records.
Following engagement with the Office of the Attorney General, the Data Protection Commissioner and independent experts in the area of GDPR, the Department published information for individuals including its privacy notice indicating what personal data the Department holds and how it processes it, and a guide on how to request access to personal information (Subject Access Request (SAR)). A dedicated phone line (01-2376001) provides information for callers on the SAR process, and information on this is also regularly communicated to survivors and former residents via quarterly updates pursuant to the Action Plan. More information on how to access personal data which may be held in the records of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation can be found here - https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/organisation-information/transfer-of-records-from-the-mother-and-baby-homes-commission-of-investigation/
For the avoidance of any doubt, it is important to clarify that the Commission was not in possession of original records and, therefore, no original records were impacted by the provisions in the 2004 legislation. State records remain in the possession of the relevant statutory body and appropriate access is regulated in accordance with relevant statute.
One of the seven major commitments in the Government's Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions was access to identity information. The Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 provides a full and clear right of access to birth certificates and birth and early life information for all persons who were adopted, boarded out, nursed out or the subject of an illegal birth registration, or who otherwise have questions in relation to their origins. The 2022 Act enables Tusla to process the Commission database for the purpose of responding to requests from relevant persons for personal information. To date, under the Birth Information and Tracing Act, Tusla and the AAI have responded to over 17,200 requests for identity information.
224. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if the Government will fully investigate and, if necessary, excavate the Angels' Plot burial ground at Sean Ross Abbey in order that the children who died there can finally be found, and their mothers told the truth. [17277/26]
View answerThe investigation of burial arrangements in Mother and Baby institutions, including the former institution at Sean Ross Abbey, was an important part of the work of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes.
The Commission, which had specific investigative powers, directed a forensic investigation of the burial ground at the Sean Ross Abbey site. It did this in response to information that it had received that the graveyard, when still in use, had drainage works inserted through it and that, based on this assertion, there may be no remains at the site and it may never have been used as a graveyard.
Site surveys, reviews of planning files and an independent drain inspection was followed by a forensic-standard test excavation, with multiple trenches opened in areas across the site where anomalies were identified by the surveys. The investigation found that coffined infant burials were located across the designated burial ground and that these had not been impacted by drainage works. The Commission concluded that no further investigation was warranted. The report of the investigation, which details the objectives, methodology and results, was published in full in the Commission’s final report, with the survey and drain inspection reports included as appendices.
Following publication of the Commission’s final report, the previous Minister for Children engaged with a local group in relation to their concerns that an area beyond the acknowledged burial ground at Sean Ross Abbey may also contain graves. In 2023, funding was provided to the group for them to undertake a survey of the land in question, land that was not subject to forensic investigation by the Commission. That survey showed no clear evidence of burials.
225. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if the Government will reform the mother and baby institutions redress scheme in order that survivors are judged by what was done to them, not by a rigid 180 day cut-off. [17278/26]
View answerThe Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme acknowledges circumstances experienced while resident in a Mother and Baby institution and the associated conditions, shame and stigma endured over a period of time. Using time spent as the deciding factor is intended to support a non-adversarial approach which avoids the need for applicants to have to bring forward evidence or prove abuse or harm. This non-adversarial approach ensures that those who spent longer periods of time in these institutions, and endured the harshest conditions, receive the highest level of support.
The six month eligibility criterion was initially presented in the Commission of Investigation report and was subsequently included in the report of the interdepartmental working group which was asked to scope out the Payment Scheme.
It is acknowledged that some survivors are not eligible for the Scheme and are disappointed by this. However, it should be noted that the Payment Scheme is just one of a large suite of actions being undertaken to respond to the legacy of these institutions under the Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions.
For those who spent shorter periods of time in institutions as young children, the overwhelming priority need which has been expressed by survivors has been access to records. To date, under the Birth Information and Tracing Act, the Adoption Authority of Ireland and Tusla have completed over 17,200 applications for information. All applications are processed in accordance with statutory timeframes.
Other actions in the Action Plan include the provision of counselling supports, the services of the Special Advocate, both already in place, as well as the ongoing development of a National Centre for Research and Remembrance.
226. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will support an increase in the ECCE rates for childcare providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17442/26]
View answerAn Expert Group was established by the Department in 2019 and was in place for over 2 years until 2021. The report from the Expert Group ‘Partnership for the Public Good’ was published in December 2021. This report was informed by research conducted by Frontier Economics and used research previously conducted by Crowe regarding the costs related to providing Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare.
This report outlined 25 recommendations which were accepted in full by Government. In 2022, a new funding model for the ELC sector, Together for Better, was launched.
Together for Better brings together the Early Childhood Care and Education programme, including the Access and Inclusion Model, the National Childcare Scheme, Equal Start, and the Core Funding scheme.
The introduction of Core Funding in 2022 brought a significant increase in investment for the sector. €259 million of funding was made available for services in year 1 of the scheme, of which €210.8 million was entirely new funding to the sector.
That annual allocation has increased each year since and has exceeded €390 million for year 4 of the Scheme, which started in September. This represents an increase of over 50% in Core Funding in three years.
Increased funding is available to services delivering the Early Childhood Care and Education programme through Core Funding.
Specifically, Early Childhood Care and Education programme sessional services who operate for 15 hours per week over 38 weeks per year can avail of weekly funding of at least €80.40 per child in the Early Childhood Care and Education programme (€69 Early Childhood Care and Education programme capitation plus €11.40 per week in Core Funding base rate). Core Funding is payable regardless of whether the place is filled.
Additionally, if a lead educator of an Early Childhood Care and Education programme session is a graduate with a relevant qualification, an additional amount of €66.60 will be paid to the service per week. If there is a separate manager who is a graduate with a relevant qualification, a further €66.60 if available to the service per week; based on the Core Funding hourly premium of €4.44 for both of these post holders.
A number of targeted supports for small and sessional services in Year 2 of Core Funding were introduced in order to improve sustainability of small-medium services, and these supports were enhanced in September 2024 for Year 3. These measures currently included a flat rate top up of €5,000 (increased from €4,075 in Year 2) for sessional-only services, and a minimum base rate allocation of €14,000 (increased from €8,150 in Year 2).
In the fourth, and current, programme year of the scheme, the minimum Base Rate allocation was increased by 2.9% to €14,400. This increase will continue to support smaller Partner Services, particularly those in rural areas, who are more vulnerable to fluctuations in income to cover costs.
The measures associated with Year 5 of Core Funding (2025/26) are currently being finalised and when same have been sanctioned by DPENDR, the details of the year 5 Core Funding allocation will be communicated to the childcare sector.
227. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children in Westmeath awaiting an assessment of need. [17452/26]
View answerThe Government recognises that there are unacceptable delays in accessing Assessments of Need. The Department and the HSE are committed to addressing these delays.
Under the Disability Act, an Assessment of Need is an assessment process carried out by the HSE where a person is of the opinion that he/she may have a disability, for anyone born after 1st June 2002. It first establishes whether the person has a disability (as defined within the Act). It then identifies the health and education needs of the person with a disability and the services required to meet those needs.
It is important to note that children do not require an Assessment of Need to access health services, including Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams or Mental Health Services.
Demand for Assessments of Need has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting both the increase in population and the number of families exploring all options to access services for their child. The impact of this increased demand has contributed to there being 20,209 applications overdue for completion nationwide at the end of 2025 according to the most recently available HSE data.
More positively, there has been continued improvement in the number of completed assessment of need reports with 5,939 reports completed in 2025. This is a 43% increase nationally compared to the number completed in 2024.
The HSE provides Assessment of Need data on a quarterly basis, the most recent of which is for Q4 2025. This data is not available on a county level but is available at Local Health Office (LHO). It should be noted that, as Longford and Westmeath are in the same LHO, it is not possible to provide data only for Westmeath.
The data provided below for the Longford/Westmeath LHO is the position at the end of 2025 as data is not yet available for 2026. The number of applications overdue for completion includes all those that were not completed within 6 months of receipt of the application.
|
No. of applications received in 2025 |
257 |
|
No. of applications completed in 2025 |
194 |
|
No. of applications overdue for completion at the end of 2025 |
15 |
Although the number of assessment of need applications in the Longford/Westmeath LHO increased by 67% in 2025 compared to 2024. there was also a notable increase in the number of completed assessment of need reports, rising from 95 in 2024 to 194 in 2025. As a result the number of applications that were overdue for completion decreased from 54 at the end of 2024 to 15 at the end of 2025.
In December 2025, Government announced a series of changes to the AON process intended to make it more efficient and effective for children and families. These include targeted amendments to Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which provides for Assessments of Need. The proposed changes to the legislation include:
• Ensuring the assessment process focuses on a child’s needs, so that more intensive clinical assessments are only used where required.
• Development of statutory guidelines to better support HSE assessment officers.
The proposed legislative changes will not remove any rights for parents to apply for an Assessment of Need for their child. They also will not alter the statutory six-month timeline set out in the Disability Act.
The General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill has been published on the Department’s website. An FAQ document has also been published, providing information on Assessment of Need and the proposed changes for parents and any other interested stakeholders.
The HSE is also implementing actions to address the wider issue of access to services and supports for children with disabilities including:
• Introduction of a Single Point of Access system by the HSE in 2026. This should make it easier for families to be referred to the right service, whether that is primary care, CDNT or mental health services. It aims to streamline referrals and reduce duplication, so children do not end up on multiple waiting lists.
• Implementation of the Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways Protocol by the HSE in early 2026. The Protocol will provide a standardised assessment process across primary care, mental health and disability services. It will be the preferred assessment route for autism.
• The creation of eleven new HSE teams, initially, to support assessment processes, including AON, providing clinical guidance and administrative supports.
The Department is working with the HSE to identify further opportunities to enhance processes, improve training, and increase administrative supports for HSE Assessment Officers who are responsible for the production of assessment reports. This includes the establishment of working groups to address learning and development needs and to develop statutory guidelines.
228. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department maintains a consolidated Department-level governance and risk oversight framework in respect of privately operated children’s residential centres funded by the Exchequer; whether her Department receives structured, periodic reporting on safeguarding, compliance or regulatory concerns relating to such providers; and whether she is satisfied that the current oversight architecture provides sufficient visibility at Ministerial level over the scale of private provision within the residential care system. [17457/26]
View answerThe Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy on this matter as soon as possible.
229. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her views in relation to a facility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17665/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
230. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children waiting for children’s disability network team services in County Wexford, at the latest available point in 2025, by team and service type, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17696/26]
View answerAs this question refers to the service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
231. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children in County Wexford waiting for an assessment of need at the latest available point in 2024 and 2025; the number of assessments conducted in 2024 and year-to-date in 2026; the number of applications received in those periods, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17697/26]
View answerThe Government recognises that there are unacceptable delays in accessing Assessments of Need. The Department and the HSE are committed to addressing these delays.
It is important to note that children do not require an Assessment of Need to access health services, including Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams or Mental Health Services.
Demand for Assessments of Need has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting both the increase in population and the number of families exploring all options to access services for their child. The impact of this increased demand has contributed to there being 20,209 applications overdue for completion nationwide at the end of 2025 according to the most recently available HSE data.
More positively, there has been continued improvement in the number of completed assessment of need reports with 5,939 reports completed in 2025. This is a 43% increase nationally compared to the number completed in 2024. However, there is regional variation and this level of improvement is not reflected in all areas, as the data provided below for Wexford LHO shows.
The HSE provides Assessment of Need data on a quarterly basis, the most recent of which is for Q4 2025. This data is not available on a county level but is available at Local Health Office (LHO). Data provided below for Wexford LHO is for 2024 and 2025 only as data for 2026 is not yet available.:
|
No. of AON applications received in 2025 |
408 |
|
No. of AON applications received in 2024 |
231 |
|
Total completed in 2025 |
261 |
|
Total completed in 2024 |
229 |
|
Total overdue for completion at the end of 2025 |
261 |
|
Total overdue for completion at the end of 2024 |
198 |
In December 2025, Government announced a series of changes to the AON process intended to improve access to both assessments and therapies for children who need them. These include targeted amendments to Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which provides for Assessments of Need. The proposed changes to the legislation include:
• Ensuring the assessment process focuses on a child’s needs, so that more intensive clinical assessments are only used where required.
• Development of statutory guidelines to better support HSE assessment officers.
The proposed legislative changes will not remove any rights for parents to apply for an Assessment of Need for their child. They also will not alter the statutory six-month timeline set out in the Disability Act.
The General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill has been published on the Department’s website. [An FAQ document] has also been published, providing information on Assessment of Need and the proposed changes for parents and any other interested stakeholders.
The HSE continues to work on a number of significant non-legislative actions to address the wider issue of access to services and supports for children with disabilities including:
• Introduction of a Single Point of Access system by the HSE in 2026. This should make it easier for families to be referred to the right service, whether that is primary care, CDNT or mental health services. It aims to streamline referrals and reduce duplication, so children do not end up on multiple waiting lists.
• Implementation of the Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways Protocol by the HSE in early 2026. The Protocol will provide a standardised assessment process across primary care, mental health and disability services. It will be the preferred assessment route for autism.
• The creation of eleven new HSE teams, initially, to support assessment processes, including AON, providing clinical guidance and administrative supports.
The Department is working with the HSE to identify further opportunities to enhance processes, improve training, and increase administrative supports for HSE Assessment Officers who are responsible for the production of assessment reports. This includes the establishment of working groups to address learning and development needs and to develop statutory guidelines.
