Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Page 70 of the programme for Government states that this Government is committed to improving services and increasing supports for people with disabilities, particularly early intervention and early assessment for children with special needs. I submitted a parliamentary question a while ago to which I got a response from the HSE indicating that 559 children in Laois-Offaly are waiting on an assessment of need. This is appalling in light of the fact that the legal timeframe outlined in the Disability Act 2005 is that an assessment of need should be carried out within three months. The long waiting time is having a major and negative impact on children with special needs. What actions will the Government take to reduce the waiting time for children to have an assessment of need in Laois-Offaly?

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