Children's Minister Announces Reforms Of Assessment Of Need Process, Admits System Is Broken

Tuesday, 9 December 2025 15:50

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News

Kildare South Labour TD Mark Wall said that "without the structures in place, this will not be worth the paper it’s written on".

The government is reforming the assessment of need process.

It follows rising waiting lists for an assessment, with latest HSE figures revealing a backlog of over 18,000.

Kildare is among the highest areas in the CHO7 region where children with additional needs are now awaiting more than six months for an Assessment Of Need.

The changes will see the assessment focus on supports needed for children rather than a potential diagnosis.

There will also no longer be a need for the official report to access special education schools and classes.

11 new teams with 44 staff will be hired next year, in an effort to tackle the backlog.

Each unit will include a psychologist, a speech and language therapist, an occupational therapist, and an administrator.

Kildare South Labour TD Mark Wall said that "without the structures in place, this will not be worth the paper it’s written on. With over 18,000 children overdue an assessment of need, it is abundantly obvious that the only truthful thing this Government has said on AONs is that the process is 'no longer fit' for purpose".

He added: "It’s devastating for any family to know that they face a battle with the State simply to get their child the support that they need. Every day they have to fight for basic services for their child. If it’s not an assessment, it’s the therapies, if it’s not the therapies, then it’s the school place or a bus place. These families have to fight tooth and nail for something that is an automatic right for every other child in this State, but for those with additional needs, it is always a fight."

Children’s Minister Norma Foley admitted that the current system is a broken one.

More from Local News

Kfm Obituary Notices

Kfm obituaries notices are broadcast daily following the 8am, 10am, 1pm, 5pm news
Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Kfm Obituary Notices

Kfm obituaries notices are broadcast daily following the 8am, 10am, 1pm, 5pm news