Families’ special needs assessment cases settled, judge says

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

A High Court judge said on 25 January 2023 that approximately 20 cases over children’s special needs assessments had been settled, after lawyers updated him in court that day.

The cases sought relief including orders requiring the HSE to begin or complete Assessment of Need reviews. Some actions concerned access to services outside applicants’ home areas.

Eleven cases concerning educational needs assessments by the National Council for Special Education remained outstanding. The Minister for Education’s counsel said the council was making progress on a proposed process, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks.

The judge welcomed the work done to resolve the cases but said he wanted a process to reduce the need for families to bring such actions. He adjourned all matters until February for an update.