Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming has said it is scandalous that Laois and Offaly have the highest number of children, outside of Dublin, waiting for an assessment of needs appointment.
If a child has a disability or it is believed they may have a disability an assessment of needs can be requested. The Disability Act 2005 states that an assessment of need must begin within three months of a completed application being received. Without an assessment of needs children are unable to access the care and supports they need.
Deputy Fleming explained, “The latest information shows that nationally, at the end of March, 5,083 children are overdue an assessment of needs appointment. 384 of these children are in Laois and Offaly – more than double the national average.
“Having met with Laois-Offaly Families for Autism (LOFFA) and other disability organisations in the area it is clear disability services have not been prioritised by the Government.
“It is not acceptable that any child would have to wait for an assessment of need and that is why the legislation is in place, but it is not being adhered to.
“Neighbouring counties with greater populations have much smaller waiting lists so we need to see resources targeted towards Laois and Offaly to get the waiting lists down.
“I am calling on the Government to put in place emergency arrangements to either bring in staff from neighbouring counties to carry out assessments or else to allow families to travel to neighbouring counties to get their child assessed. There should also be assessments carried out at weekends until such a time as the backlog has been cleared.
“The number of children in this area who are kept waiting by the Department deserve an immediate emergency response,” concluded Deputy Fleming.
