Courts / Ireland / Report

Most special needs assessment cases resolved on consent, judge notes

Date
2021-11-03
Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Summary

In a High Court judicial review hearing, Mr Justice Charles Meenan, who oversees the Judicial Review list, questioned whether demanding the HSE complete special needs assessments within six weeks is the most efficient use of limited resources. He noted that most such cases are settled by consent shortly after the court first considers them. The judge made these remarks while granting leave to three applicants to challenge the HSE on behalf of children with special needs, seeking orders to compel assessments and declarations that the HSE has breached its statutory duties under the 2005 Disability Act. The applicants, whose identities are withheld, argue that the HSE has failed to conduct timely assessments or reviews, depriving children of essential services such as speech and language therapy, psychological support and educational assistance, thereby adversely affecting both the children and their families. The judge, after granting ex‑parte leave, returned all the cases to the court for further consideration as of December.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Most special needs assessment cases resolved on consent, judge notes. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Case subjects

Judicial Review

Applicant

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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