Courts / Ireland / Report

Judge expresses concern over speed of assessment of special needs child

Summary

In a High Court case, Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds expressed concern over the slow progress of an independent assessment for an eight‑year‑old boy who has been out of school since late 2017. The State disputes a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome for the child. Through his mother, the boy seeks orders and declarations, including that the Minister for Education is breaching his constitutional right to education, that he be placed in a local school capable of meeting his special needs, and that he receive a proper assessment to secure the supports he requires. The case first appeared in September but was adjourned due to a dispute over the diagnosis. The assessment was to be carried out by an independent third party, but the initial nominee worked for the HSE and was not deemed independent. An independent assessor has now been agreed, yet the applicant's side has not yet supplied all necessary details about the process.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge expresses concern over speed of assessment of special needs child. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2018-12-04 Publication

Why: The court heard that the matter had been delayed because the person initially nominated to conduct the assessment works for the HSE and could not be deemed independent. Court evidence reported by CNI

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report