'Unacceptable' delays in disability assessments of children in Offaly highlighted

A TD has criticised the HSE for breaching its obligations under the Disability Act 2005 after he secured new figures showing that 870 children in Laois and Offaly are facing an average wait time of 21 months to be reviewed for an Assessment of Need.

The figures were released to Fine Gael TD for Laois, Willie Aird, in response to a parliamentary question to the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley.

Deputy Aird said the delays show a system that is failing to meet its legal duties. Under the Disability Act 2005 an Assessment of Need must be completed within six months of application.

Deputy Aird said families in Laois and Offaly are being left in an impossible position.

“Anxious parents are waiting nearly two years before their child can even begin the assessment process,” he said. “This unacceptable delay falls far outside the statutory timeframe and is causing real harm to children who need early intervention.”

READ NEXT: Funds raised to refit sensory rooms at national school in Offaly town

The HSE confirmed to Deputy Aird that 95% of assessments are now outsourced to private providers. It said this has helped to reduce waiting times to some degree, but rising referral numbers continue to place pressure on the system.

According to Deputy Aird, the situation is especially difficult for families in largely rural regions like the Midlands where access to specialist services is already limited.

“Every month lost is a month a child cannot get back, and the State has a clear responsibility to uphold existing legislation,” he said.

Deputy Aird said he has asked Minister Norma Foley and the HSE to set out what immediate steps will be taken to bring waiting times back within the six month limit.

“Children with additional needs in Laois deserve timely assessments and supports and the current delays cannot continue,” he said.

READ NEXT: Tributes paid on passing of much loved retired Offaly school vice-principal