I note the update received from the HSE regarding the current position with the child in question. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate to comment on an individual child or family. However, the Government and the HSE both acknowledge the challenges in meeting the demand for disability services and are acutely aware of how these challenges impact on children and their families. The Government is committed to delivering real and tangible solutions to enhance services to better support the needs of children with special needs in Ireland.
Children with complex special needs access therapy services through the Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs). While the Assessment of Needs process is one route to accessing services, it is important to stress children do not require an Assessment of Need (AON) under the Disability Act to access health services.
The provision of AON is a particular challenge because of the complexity and length of these assessments; however, it is acknowledged that waiting times are too long and work continues to fully resource CDNTs in order to enhance capacity, via recruitment campaigns and other measures.
In this regard, and for the first time ever, a dedicated recruitment campaign specifically for CDNTs was launched in January 2024. Approximately 495 applications have been received and HSE is in the process of progressing the selection process, with interviews underway across the country. Appointments for these roles will be made as soon as possible.
In addition, the allocation of funding in Budgets 2023 and 2024 (total of €16.5m) has facilitated CHOs to procure diagnostic ASD assessments through the private sector. This allows assessments to take place while preserving CDNT capacity to continue therapy intervention supports.
Notwithstanding current challenges, it is important to acknowledge that significant work is ongoing, with approximately 46,000 children currently accessing services and supports provided by CDNTs.
