“No child should have to wait for an assessment of need but tragically, thousands are"

Deputy Ged Nash has welcomed a government commitment to fund private assessments of needs for children with disabilities, following a Labour motion in the Dáil urging the Minister to take action on lengthening waiting lists.

Deputy Ged Nash TD said: “It is rare that an opposition motion results in an immediate government commitment to act and I’m glad that Minister Anne Rabbitte has recognised the urgency of this issue and given a commitment to fund vital assessment of needs for children with disabilities, where families are forced to seek those assessments privately.

“Minister Rabittee committed, in response to Labour’s motion, that if six planned regional assessment teams are not set up by August 1 to tackle the enormous assessment of needs waiting lists, she will bring our party’s proposals to fund private assessments at the State’s expense, to the Budget.

“No child should have to wait for an assessment of need but tragically, thousands are and it is a source of great frustration to me that Louth is one of the worst performing counties in the country in this regard.

“Now, we need to see action from the Government. I and my Labour colleagues will hold the Minister to account on this commitment and ensure that children currently on waiting lists will have their needs assessed without further delay.

“Early intervention is crucial for children and I will continue to advocate for families affected by these long delays until their needs are met.”