Courts / Ireland / Report

High Court judge welcomes settlement of assessment of needs cases

Summary

Mr Justice Charles Meenan welcomed the settlement of about 20 High Court actions concerning the HSE's assessment of children with special needs, describing the outcome as "very satisfactory". He stressed the need for a system to reduce future judicial reviews on such assessments. The judge heard that many cases were settled after out‑of‑court discussions among the HSE, the Minister for Education and the families. The actions involved claims that the HSE had failed to comply with the 2005 Disability Act by not completing assessments within a reasonable time. While most cases were resolved, 11 remain pending regarding assessments by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). The Minister plans to announce a new process for NCSE assessments, and the judge has adjourned the remaining matters to February to review progress. The HSE is recruiting assessors and clearing a backlog, but has no power over educational needs assessments.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: High Court judge welcomes settlement of assessment of needs cases. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2023-01-25 Publication

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Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report