Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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2474. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans for assessing the best means of carrying out assessments of needs and therapies provision for those with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43546/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department and the HSE have been progressing numerous measures to ensure that the Assessment of Need (AON) process is working as effectively as possible for all children including for those with autism.

It is important to be aware that, while children have a right to apply for an AON, they do not need one in order to access or receive services including therapies provided by Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHs).

It should be noted that an Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways Protocol has been developed by the HSE, informed by extensive consultation with stakeholders, including people with lived experience of autism, and in line with international best practice and expertise. The HSE has advised that the Protocol has been finalised and submitted to the HSE Clinical Forum for sign off. Once approved, it will be implemented as an integrated services protocol, including disability, mental health and primary care, across the six Regional Health Areas.

It should be noted that therapies provided to children with autism are not solely under the remit of my Department. Children whose needs are more moderate are supported through the Primary Care system which falls under the remit of the Department of Health, whereas children with complex needs may require supports from their local CDNT.

The model of service for all CDNTs is family-centred and based on the needs of the child. This includes universal, targeted and specialised supports and interventions, as appropriate to the individual child and family. It is based on the objectives of empowering and supporting parents and others who are with the child on a daily basis to facilitate the child’s developmental needs.

The National Disability Authority (NDA) are in the process of reviewing the current operation of the CDNT service model. This review will scrutinise international best practice around children's disability services and will consider the experiences of families, CDNT staff, health services management, policymakers, and Disabled Persons Organisations. It is anticipated that a draft final report on this review will be available at year end.

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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2475. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the waiting lists for those awaiting assessments of needs, by time and county, the projected waiting list by the end of 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43547/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.