Disabilities Assessments
Seanad Éireann — 2026-02-04
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Emer Higgins (FG), Dublin Mid-West

As I have outlined, there are a series of reforms being progressed to ensure children can access assessments of need in a timely manner. In addition to this, we are also using measures such as the targeted wait list initiative which was introduced in May 2024. This year, that initiative will support the delivery of 6,000 clinical assessments. That is another one of those actions. There is very much a timeframe for that.
When it comes to staffing, I reassure the Senator that our CDNTs are also recruiting and there will be prioritisation within recruitment for teams that have the highest vacancy rate. If her area is part of that, it will be prioritised. It is about making sure that while we are utilising that private capacity in terms of the targeted wait list initiative, we are also continually investing in improving the public system through training and adding additional clinical and administrative supports. That is all about assisting the HSE assessment and liaison officers throughout that assessment of need process. It is also about ensuring children then have access to the therapies they need. That is why we are making such an effort to ensure our CDNTs get additional resources to be able to support children in that way.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-02-04/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:35+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-02-04