Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
43. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children in Cavan and Monaghan who received an assessment of need within the statutory timeframe in the years 2024 to date; and the number that did not. [47501/26]
View answerThe Government recognises that there are unacceptable delays in accessing Assessments of Need.
It is important at the outset to reiterate that children do not require an Assessment of Need report to access health services, including Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams, Mental Health Services, or education supports. However, demand for Assessments of Need has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting both the increase in population and families exploring all options to access services for their child.
While the HSE do not provide Assessment of Need data by county, data is provided by Regional Health Area and Local Health Office (LHO) area. The most recent data provided by the HSE is for Q1 2026.
The number of Assessment of Need reports completed both within and outside the statutory timeframe in Cavan/Monaghan LHO from 2024 – Q1 2026 are as follows:
|
- |
Assessment of Need reports completed within the statutory timeline |
Assessment of Need reportscompleted outside the statutory timeframe |
|
Total 2024 |
7 |
59 |
|
Total 2025 |
0 |
21 |
|
Q1 2026 |
1 |
11 |
There has been intensive work by the Department and the HSE to address delays in the provision of Assessments of Need to children and their families, and progress is being made. While there is regional variation, overall there has been a notable increase in the number of completed AON reports nationally over the past two years. Over 5,900 reports were completed in 2025 – a 43% increase compared to 2024, and an 85% increase compared to 2023. However it is acknowledged that there are some regional variations on this completion rate, as evidenced above in 2025.
The most recent HSE data reports that 1,528 Assessment of Need reports were completed nationally in the first 3 months of this year, compared to 1,402 in Q1 2025. This improvement must continue.
In December 2025, Government announced a series of improvements to the Assessment of Need process. This includes legislative and operational changes which will make it more effective and efficient for children and families. Over time, this should lead to a reduction in the waiting time to receive an assessment.
The provision of an effective and efficient Assessment of Need system continues to be a priority for the Government.
