Cathy Bennett TD asked the Minister for Children: Disabilities Assessments

In a question posed to the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in the Dáil on 23 June 2026, Cathaoirleach Cathy Bennett of Monaghan County Council asked for data on children in County Cavan and County Monaghan who had received an assessment of need within statutory timeframe in 2024 to date, as well as those who had not. The question was directed at the Minister to obtain a clear picture of how many children in these two counties are receiving timely assessments under the statutory framework that requires such evaluations to be carried out within a specified period after referral.

Bennett, who has served on Monaghan County Council since 2012 and currently chairs the council as well as the Co‑Monaghan Women’s Assembly, is a member of Sinn Féin. She has previously worked in theatre management in Monaghan town and holds a degree in bio‑pharmaceutical science from Castleblaney.

The request reflects ongoing concerns about access to disability services for children in rural counties. By asking for both the number of children who have received assessments within the statutory timeframe and those who have not, Bennett seeks to highlight any gaps in service delivery that may affect families across Cavan and Monaghan.

For full details see the Oireachtas debate transcript from 23 June 2026.

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