Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), John Brady, has said a 39% increase in the number of Assessments of Need (AoN) completed in Wicklow highlights the growing pressure on children’s disability services and the urgent need for Government to properly resource the system.
Figures provided to Deputy Brady following queries he raised show that 268 assessments were completed by teams locally in the first half of 2025, rising to 374 in the first half of 2026, a 39% increase.
The new information also states that, as of the end of June, more than 23,000 applications for Assessments of Need across the State were overdue the statutory six-month deadline.
Teachta Brady said:
“The 39% increase in Assessments of Need completed in Wicklow demonstrates the growing pressure on the system.
“While it is welcome that more assessments are being completed, Government cannot pretend that an increase in output means the problem is being solved.
“The fact that more than 23,000 applications for Assessments of Need across the State are overdue the statutory six-month deadline underscores the enormous pressure on the system,
“Families in Wicklow continue to face significant delays in accessing assessments and, critically, the supports that follow from them.
“The six-month timeframe for an Assessment of Need is not an optional target. It is a statutory obligation.
“As demand continues to grow, the Government must ensure that capacity grows alongside it. This means properly resourcing the Assessment of Need process, recruiting the necessary staff and sustained investment in services.
“Parents should not have to spend months or years waiting for an assessment before their children can access vital therapies, educational supports and other services.
“Parents are exhausted from constantly having to fight the system. They deserve a properly resourced service that delivers for their children, rather than being forced to navigate a system under enormous pressure.
“In addition to the stress facing families, the failure to properly resource the system is already costing the State millions.
“Previously, the HSE provided me with information that shows that the State has spent over €23 million in legal costs arising from Assessment of Need challenges since 2021.
“That money should instead be invested in additional staff and resources to ensure assessments are completed in a timely manner.
“The message from Wicklow and across the State is clear. Demand is rising, and Government must match that demand with the resources necessary to deliver.
“Wicklow families deserve a system that works.”
ENDS