Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cyra Cahill is three years old and is in need of services. Her mother, Charlotte, has spoken out publicly about her because she is desperate to secure those services. Cyra had an assessment of needs last year but there was no psychologist present. As the Taoiseach is aware, the HSE approach to assessment of needs was ruled by the High Court last year to be in breach of the Disability Act 2005. This means the assessment received by Cyra was invalid and she has been put back on the waiting list. Cyra and her mother have been told her assessment of needs will not be completed until 2024. I cannot overstate the desperate state of this child and her mother.

Of course, Cyra is not on her own. More than 4,500 children are currently awaiting assessment. The HSE is legally obliged to provide that assessment within six months, but the average waiting time is 16 months, with many waiting much longer.

What can the Taoiseach say to Cyra? When will the Government fulfil the legal obligation to these children and ensure that they get their assessments within the prescribed timeframe?

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