Just 6 per cent of children in the Republic of Ireland who are suspected to be suffering a form of disability are having their health and education needs assessed within the statutory deadline of six months. This means that, according to the HSE, more than 3,500 children were waiting over six months to have their assessments completed.

Applications

Under the Disability Act 2005, any parent or guardian of a child born after 1 June 2002 who feels their child may have a disability can apply for an assessment of their health and education needs. Their assessment must start within three months of the HSE receiving their completed application form and must be complete within a further three months.