Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

482. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to report on her Department’s progress on the development of targeted legislation to bring the AON in line with the UNCRPD. [31670/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ireland ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2018. The UNCRPD articulates a range of social, economic, and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights, which the State is obliged to uphold and advance in relation to disabled people. Since ratification, the State’s approach to UNCRPD implementation has been one of progressive realisation, ensuring that advancements are made regarding its implementation over time.

One such advancement is the commitment to reforming the Assessment of Need process to streamline it for the benefit of children who need it. This is reflected in the current Programme for Government which includes a clear commitment to support families who are waiting for Assessments of Need and to ensure children and their families can access the supports they need.

It is important to be aware that, while children have a right to apply for an Assessment of Need, they do not need one in order to access health services, including those provided by Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams or Mental Health Services. However, it is accepted that the current system is not working as it should for children, many of whom are on long waiting lists for services. There are a number of key actions underway to address current delays children are facing and build capacity in the system for increasing demand.

Officials in my Department are working with HSE senior management and experienced clinicians to identify relevant legislative changes relating to Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which addresses Assessment of Need, with the intention of bringing forward legislation in the latter half of this year. I would emphasise this process is to support effectiveness and efficiency within the Assessment of Need process. It will not affect the statutory right of any individual to access an Assessment of Need.

The Programme for Government also commits to considering reforms to the Disability Act in consultation with stakeholders. This will involve more detailed consideration of the Part 2 of Disability Act 2005 and alignment with the UNCRPD.