291 Mayo children wait for assessment of need 'as government continues to act illegally' – TD
Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh, has slammed the government for its “shameful failure” to address the deepening crisis in Assessments of Need (AON) for children.
Deputy Conway-Walsh was responding to figures obtained by Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly which reveal that a staggering 18,097 children across the state are waiting on an AON, with the average waiting time now over 27 months - despite a legal 6-month timeframe.
The shocking figures reveal 0% of assessments in Co. Mayo were completed within the legal timeframe so far in 2025.
Deputy Conway-Walsh said: “Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Regional Independents continue to fail children living in this state.
"New figures from the HSE concerning Assessments of Need (AON) are a damning indictment of this government’s approach to children with disabilities.
"They reveal a crisis that is ever deepening despite repeated promises to get control of the situation.
“The situation is stark. Across the State, the number of children waiting for an AON has ballooned to 18,097. This is an almost 10% increase since Q2 of this year, when the figure was at 16,593.
"In Mayo alone, 291 children are waiting for an AON. This is a shameful increase of almost 20% since Q2 of this year.
“Under the Disability Act 2005, there is a legal requirement to provide an AON within six months.
"However, the figures reveal a worsening situation for children. The average wait time for an AON has surged to over 27 months.
"That is an increase of more than 2 months since Q2, when the average wait time stood at 24.93 weeks.
“Children and families are being failed dramatically, left in limbo waiting for supports they are meant to be entitled to.
“A shocking 9 in 10 assessments are not completed within the legal timeframe - only 9% are completed within that timeframe.
"In other words, less than 1 child in every 10 waiting for an AON can expect their rights to be upheld by this government.
“The crisis is widespread across the state. In Mayo so far in 2025, 0% of children have had their AON completed on time. This is truly scandalous. The government is not only failing these children and their families, it is breaking the law.
"Without a change in approach, waiting lists will continue to sky-rocket, children will continue to be denied the essential education they deserve and are entitled to, and this government will carry on breaking the law. Enough is enough.
“The government must make emergency funding available and commit to a specific timeframe in which it will meet its legal obligations, and outline a refreshed workforce plan to train, recruit, and retain staff.
"Adequate funding for special needs services, including the provision of appropriate school places for children with additional needs must also be made available.
“Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for children and their families until the government lives up to its responsibilities.”