Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland, AOTI, has outlined concerns about the HSE's standard operating procedure for assessment of need. Specifically, occupational therapists are very concerned about the HSE's implementation from 30 April 2018 of the standard operating procedure for the assessment of need. Among other things, they say that "90 minutes is not a sufficient period of time to adequately assess the needs of children with disabilities and we are particularly concerned about the negative impact this aspect of the system will have on children and their families." They say that "[i]t will also place undue pressure on occupational therapists being asked to carry out these assessments and may place them in conflict with AOTI and CORU codes of ethics.". Disappointment has also been expressed "that HSE management has failed to properly consult with AOTI on this matter" and AOTI appeals "for them to engage with AOTI and other professional bodies to address our concerns with the new system for Assessment of Need".

See this speech in context