Deputy Pauline Tully

Assessment of needs delays criticised

The Government is being urged to address the backlog for assessment of needs appointments.

Local Sinn Féin TD Pauline Tully issued the call after it was confirmed that a backlog of approximately 4,000 has developed across the country.

“I was alarmed to hear the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, confirm in the Seanad last week that the current backlog for assessment of needs stands at just under 4,000.”

The Sinn Féin Deputy, who’s also the party’s Spokesperson on Disability and Carers, has hit out at the figure, claiming it’s an increase from 500 during the summer. An assessment of need, also known as a disability assessment, looks at the overall situation a child finds themselves in and identifies the supports or measures they may need.

Data from the HSE shows there are a total of 2,720 applications overdue for completion, according to Deputy Tully, with a further 1,254 applications overdue to commence second stage.

“The Minister of State has serious questions to answer in relation to this matter. She needs to explain how this backlog has arisen and the measures that will be taken to address it.

“I am calling on the Minister of State to urgently address the current waiting list for assessment of needs and ensure that the process is reformed so that all information required to ensure children can access supports is provided in a timely manner.”