Government Misses Target of 19,042 Child Disability Assessments by 5,600

The Government missed its target of 19,042 completed Assessments of Needs (AON) for children by 5,600 between 2023 and 2026, as outlined in the Health Service Executive's (HSE) Roadmap For Service Improvement. During this period, 11,872 AONs were completed, and an estimated 1,570 Preliminary Term Assessments (PTA) were reassessed. PTAs, conducted in 2020 to reduce waiting lists, required reassessment after a 2022 High Court ruling found them in breach of the 2005 Disability Act.

The HSE reported a significant increase in AON applications, with 13,186 in 2025—a five-fold rise since 2008—and 3,814 in Q1 2026, up 22% from the previous year. Despite this, 5,949 AONs were completed in 2025, a 43% increase from 2024, and 1,528 in Q1 2026, an 8% increase. Jane Allen from Dublin highlighted the impact of delays, stating her son Jack has waited over two years for a complete assessment, affecting his schooling and access to therapies.

Improvements included a reduction in Child Disability Network Team (CDNT) post vacancies from 29% to 18% and a decrease in children waiting for their first CDNT contact from 16,500 to over 9,300. However, the number of children overdue an assessment rose from over 7,600 in mid-2023 to 21,782 by Q1 2026. Inclusion Ireland CEO Derval McDonagh emphasized the significant impact of therapy delays on two-thirds of families.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality acknowledged the unmet target due to increased demand and allocated €20 million in 2026 for the Assessment of Need Targeted Waitlist Initiative. This initiative, launched in 2024 by Simon Harris, has spent nearly €28 million on over 7,700 outsourced assessments, focusing on autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, 11 new HSE teams will be created to support assessment processes.