Ann Graves (Dublin Fingal East, Sinn Fein)

This Government has once again failed the most vulnerable. A total of 15,296 children are overdue for an assessment of need. It is nothing short of a scandal. It is a priority for Sinn Féin. We and the combined Opposition have come together to table a motion during Sinn Féin's Private Members' time, demanding that the Government moves urgently on this matter. Children are entitled to an assessment of need within six months under the Disability Act. The reality is different, however, and the Government is breaking the law. A young four-year-old from Swords, identified as having speech and language difficulties, had a check-up as a two-year-old. He was referred to Swords Health Centre. Eighteen months later, he received an appointment, for 1 February 2025, only to be told that he was number 26 on the list to see a therapist. He will be six years old before he sees a speech and language therapist. That is four years.

James contacted my office in Fingal East. His son has been waiting for 18 months for an appointment for an assessment. I tabled a parliamentary question in an attempt to draw attention to this serious matter. The response from the Department confirmed that his son will not get an appointment until October 2025. I met a woman during the general election campaign who is a mother of twins, one of whom has additional needs and is waiting for a psychological assessment. He is non-verbal and awaiting a speech and language assessment. They both start school in September. The mother just wants the best and most equal chance for both her children. I met her again in my office yesterday and nothing has changed. It is anticipated that by the end of 2025, there could be almost 25,000 children whose assessments of need are due to be completed.

The solution lies with the Government. The Minister must take emergency action and make funding available to clear the backlog and provide these children with assessments, which they are legally entitled to. Longer-term, the Government needs to deliver a sustainable solution, including an urgent workforce plan to recruit, train and retrain enough staff to finally end this serious breach of children's rights.

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