Under law, every child has the right to access the service and Minister Foley says this won’t change.
The Government is going to cut back on assessment of need referrals.
Disability Minister Norma Foley says thousands of children who complete assessments are found to have health issues, rather than disabilities.
Under law, every child has the right to access the service and Minister Foley says this won’t change.
However, she says some assessments are taking too long, and proving unnecessary.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the HSE is not in a position to fulfil its legal obligation to children with special needs.
Micheál Martin made the admission in the Dáil as teenage campaigner Cara Darmody continues a protest outside Leinster House.
2005 legislation states children are entitled to an assessment of needs within six months of applying.
But Taoiseach Micheál Martin says it's not something the health service can deliver at the moment.
Kildare is among the highest areas in the CHO7 region where children with additional needs are now awaiting more than six months for the vital Assessment Of Need.
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