Isaac Sullivan, 14, Denied Disability Assessment for a Decade; European Parliament to Hear Case
Vivienne Sullivan's 14-year-old son, Isaac, with autism and ADHD, was denied a legally entitled disability assessment for nearly a decade. This delay significantly impacted his development and access to services. His case will be heard by a European Parliament committee, highlighting widespread breaches of children's rights in Ireland.
Vivienne Sullivan from Leixlip, Kildare, states her 14-year-old son, Isaac, who has autism and ADHD, did not thrive due to a decade-long delay in receiving a legally entitled assessment of need. Despite applying when Isaac started primary school, the Health Service Executive (HSE) only conducted the assessment in March 2023, when he was in second level. This delay meant Isaac spent primary school in a mainstream class, often not understanding lessons, and now, though in an autism class, still lacks access to many necessary services.
On Wednesday, Isaac’s case, along with those of other children, will be presented to a European Parliament committee. Three mothers will argue that their children's rights, under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, have been breached, covering human dignity, education, non-discrimination, children's rights, and the right to integration for disabled people. Rebecca O’Riordain will share her 7-year-old daughter’s five-year wait for an assessment.
The HSE is legally required under the 2005 Disability Act to begin assessments within three months and complete them within a further three months. However, 21,782 assessments are currently overdue, mostly for children. Dublin MEP Aodhán Ó Riordain is bringing the parents to the committee, hoping the European Parliament will pressure the Irish Government to act. A HSE spokeswoman stated the government is reviewing the Disability Act and taking steps to improve access to assessments, including increasing assessment officers and procuring services from private providers.