Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I apologise to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony for the delay. As the Deputy is aware, a revised standard operating procedure for assessment of need has been developed to ensure that there is a standardised approach to assessment across the whole country.  The purpose of this procedure is to ensure children with disabilities and their families access appropriate assessment and intervention as quickly as possible. Under the revised procedure an assessment of need will comprise a preliminary team assessment that will identify initial interventions and any further assessments that may be required. The assessment will usually be undertaken by a children’s disability service. This service is composed of a number of health professionals, including occupational therapists, who will be tasked with delivering interventions. While not required under the Act, diagnostic assessments will continue to be provided, as appropriate, and any diagnosis will be captured in the child’s service statement as part of the assessment of need process.

These changes will alleviate the current situation where children in some parts of the country may wait a number of years before they can access an assessment. During this period of time they often have little or no access to intervention or support. It is intended that these changes will facilitate children with disabilities to access assessment in a more timely fashion. This represents a significant and positive change for children with a disability and their families.

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