- Over 1,000 children waiting over 10 months for disability assessment across Dublin -

Fianna Fáil Seanad Group Leader, Senator Catherine Ardagh has said that the ongoing waiting lists of young children waiting for disability assessment are indicative of the Government’s failure to prioritise the improvement of disability services.

New figures released to Fianna Fáil show that even more children with disabilities are being kept waiting for their statutory right to an assessment under the Disability Act.

The Dublin based Senator explained, “Over the past 10 months, the number of children waiting has continued to increase and now stands at 1,333. It is appalling that a bad situation has gotten worse and during a period when we have been repeatedly told that staff shortages and waiting lists were being addressed.

“Under the Disability Act, assessments of need must commence within three months of receipt of a completed application and must be completed within a further three months.
 
“To have so many children unable to receive their legal entitlement within the set timeframe, is fundamentally wrong and must be tackled as a matter of urgency.

“In the light of these latest figures, which show a further deterioration in the situation, extra capacity is needed and the HSE needs to examine an increase in appointing occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists and counselors 

-ENDS-