Disabilities Assessments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023

Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Ceisteanna (451)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

451. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to confirm that assessment of needs hubs in all CHO areas are now fully operational and providing assessment of needs; the number of assessment of needs carried out by such hubs to date; to confirm where hubs are not yet fully operational if she will repurpose that money to ensure that families can privately access assessments themselves as committed to in Dáil Éireann on 23 May (details supplied); if she has included such measures as part of Budget 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44777/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Following my commitment in May of this year, Regional Assessment Hubs have now been established in each CHO. The Hubs are designed to provide a dedicated assessment function and seek to preserve the Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) so that each team can continue to deliver therapy services. I am keen to establish the effectiveness of the Hubs and I am continuously engaged with senior leadership in the HSE on these and other issues. 

The Department recognises the financial challenges for many families in the context of the delays in accessing assessments and therapies for their children. It is for this reason that the HSE has been allocated over €11.5m in funding in Budget 2023 for the outsourcing of assessments. The ability of the HSE to outsource assessments can greatly assist the enhancement of CDNTs by way of ensuring they have time and capacity to conduct therapy interventions rather than solely concentrating on assessments.

I am keeping an open mind on any option that may assist in benefiting families of children with complex needs and I am actively working on measures to reduce waiting lists, ensuring that children and families are at the forefront of consideration of the HSE.