Departmental Legal Cases
Dail Éireann — 2026-09-17
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Emer Higgins (FG), Dublin Mid-West

We absolutely do care. That is why this week, at Cabinet, the Minister, Norma Foley, and I brought forward legislation in this regard. To be clear, the HSE has not contested applications to the Circuit Court. The figure that was provided to me today in response to the Deputy's question is for the HSE's own legal fees, as I have said. They do not include the legal spend of parties who bring claims against the HSE that have been paid to the HSE. They are discharged by the State Claims Agency. I do not have the figure from the State Claims Agency but I can absolutely request that for the Deputy.
To be clear, significant legislative and operational work is under way to improve the AON process and reduce the waiting times. This includes continuation of the targeted wait list initiative, improved training and guidelines for assessment officers and targeted amendment of the disability Bill, which was brought to Cabinet this week, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the assessment of need process.
I agree that it is unacceptable how many children are waiting on these assessments. That is why we are bringing in these reforms - to help change that situation for people.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-09-17/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-17