TD for Dublin Mid West, Mark Ward has called on urgent measures to be put in place to allow children access and assessment of needs in a timely manner.
Teachta Ward who is a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Children, Disability. Equality and Integration is responding to a parliamentary question that of the 691 investigations into complaints 634 were upheld this year.
Teachta Ward said “Over the last two weeks we have heard witness testimonies at the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Children, Disability. Equality and Integration how children are being left behind by the state in trying to get an assessment of needs. “An assessment of needs is a gateway to determine what other services or supports a child will need to assist with their development. According to the Disability Act 2005 a child must have an assessment of needs commenced within 3 months and completed within 6 months of applying.
“This is not happening, with many children waiting years. The Children’s Ombudsman at the Committee said that this is just an old fashioned three card trick, with children being moved from list to list without getting the services they need. “I asked the Minister for Health the number of parents that have put in a complaint that their child did not receive an assessment of needs in a timely manner; the number upheld in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to date in 2020; and the response was a damning indictment of the system.
“Since 2016 there have been 1000s of complaints made by parents with the vast majority upheld. This year to date there has been 691 investigations into complaints with 634 of these upheld this year “That figure equates to 92% of complaints made by parents were upheld. In a modern society this is unacceptable and needs to be addressed immediately. “Significant delays in the Assessment of Need process and that this places significant strain on families and ultimately leads to lost opportunities for children.
