Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy. Again, I acknowledge the points he makes. Parents are right to access every opportunity they can for a child. I would do it. They are right to do it but we need to find better ways to progress the assessment of need. As I have said, over 6,300 assessments have been done privately. Some €10 million was made available but it is likely that between €18 million and €20 million will be spent this year.

I acknowledge that other measures have been attributed to the increase as well. Despite the fact that AON is not required to access health services, primary care, CDNTs or mental health services, it is still a route that is chosen.

Specifically in relation to the legislation the Deputy referred to, work is under way to identify relevant legislative changes relating to Part 2 of the Disability Act, which addresses assessment of need. This aims to support the effective and efficient delivery of assessment of need. It is intended to bring forward the legislation before the year end. It will not affect the statutory right of any individual to access an assessment of need or the statutory timeframe set out in the Act. The provision of an effective and efficient assessment of need system continues to be a priority.

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