An “initiative” for children on waiting lists for special needs assessments is to be announced shortly, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said.
The Fine Gael minister was responding to opposition TDs raising concerns about long waiting times for assessment and therapies for children with additional needs.
These assessments identify whether a person has a disability and what health and educational support they need.
Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy said there were “record” numbers on waiting lists for assessment, and 8,000 children had been waiting more than three months to be assessed.
Mr Carthy said children cannot access appropriate school places or special protection supports without an assessment, and when they do get an assessment, access is still difficult because of “intolerable waiting lists”.
He also pointed out that Co Monaghan, a constituency which both Ms Humphreys and Mr Carthy represent, is one of the two counties without a special school, the other being Co Leitrim.
Mr Carthy said: “What do you say to those parents who are wondering when their child will receive the diagnosis that they need for educational and health support? What do you say to those who have been assessed, who know what their child’s needs are, but who are being told that those needs will not be met?”
Independent TD Michael Lowry said: “The lives of these children are on hold, and I have to say it is a sad reflection on Government and all of us here as members of this House and as a country and as human beings, we are continuing to let down these children and their families.”
Ms Humphreys said the Government is “committed to improving those services”.
She said that Simon Harris’s Cabinet sub-committee on children, education and disability had met several times since being set up upon his appointment as Taoiseach.
Ms Humphreys said: “I know that the most recent meeting, there was a focus on the waiting list for assessment of need and how we can increase the use of the private sector to deliver results for families waiting long periods.
“Private assessments are already taking place with 16.5 million already set aside for the HSE to procure diagnostic ASD assessments through the private sector.”
The Minister said that Anne Rabbitte, Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, had visited Co Monaghan and met people “first hand” and “works day and night” on the issue.
Ms Humphreys said: “I’m pleased to tell you today, deputy, that Minister Rabbitte, along with the Taoiseach and Minister Donnelly, is spearheading a new, long waiting list initiative that will be announced very shortly and that’s going to be underpinned by both investment and, importantly, a real sense of urgency to address this issue.”
She added that Ms Rabbitte “does hold her officials to account, I can assure you because I’ve seen it first hand”.
Ms Humphreys said: “A significant number of new special classes, 400, have already been sanctioned for September.”
Mr Lowry said there are 100 special needs schools across Ireland “but the reality is that number is failing to meet demand”.
“Similarly many special need classes in national schools are also struggling to care for those who need a space,” he said, adding that children with special educational needs can “get lost in mainstream schools”.
