Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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43. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on the decision to finance an assessment of need waiting list initiative and the process on how parents can access the scheme. [26078/24]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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It is acknowledged that demand for assessments of need (AONs) is escalating, with a 25% year-on-year increase in the number of AON applications received in 2023.

Following on from a Government decision in May, a targeted initiative focussed on long waiting families is being developed by the HSE. This waiting list initiative will result in 2,500 privately sourced AONs. This initiative will assist families, on a CHO by CHO basis, by targeting those children waiting longest for AON, allocating AONs by order of application in line with statutory obligations.

To address the waiting list in an equitable manner, it is intended that the HSE will reimburse clinicians and directly procure capacity from approved private providers, targeting long waiters, by CHO area. This option has been selected, as opposed to a direct re-imbursement scheme, as the Government is keen to avoid a situation where parents are required to make an upfront payment and then are retrospectively reimbursed.

I want to emphasise that the amount of €6.89m proposed to target 2,500 AONs is reflective of current capacity within the private sector, which appears to be challenged by the shortage of suitably qualified health and social care professionals that is being experienced on an international basis. The HSE will continue to explore all available opportunities to maximise the capacity for AON.