Families ‘left in limbo’ as nearly 1,000 Meath children waiting for disability assessment
Almost 1,000 children in Meath are currently waiting for an Assessment of Need (AON), a situation a Sinn Féin TD for Meath East has described as a “shameful failure” by the government to address the “deepening crisis”.
Darren O’Rourke TD was responding to figures released to Sinn Féin, which reveal that 18,097 children across the State are waiting for an AON, with the average waiting time now exceeding 27 months — well beyond the statutory six-month timeframe set out under the Disability Act 2005.
In Meath, 966 children are waiting for an AON, representing an 18pc rise since the second quarter of the year.
At the current rate of processing — around 140 assessments per year — Deputy O’Rourke said it would take almost seven years to clear the existing backlog.
“Children and families are being failed dramatically, left in limbo waiting for supports they are meant to be entitled to,” he said.
“Across the state, a shocking 9 in 10 assessments are not completed within the legal timeframe - only 9pc are completed within that timeframe.”
“In Meath, the situation is even worse, with just 5pc of children having had their AON completed on time. In other words, just 1 child in every 20 children waiting for an AON in Meath can expect their rights to be upheld by this government. This is truly scandalous.”
Mr O’Rourke added: “Without a change in approach, waiting lists will continue to sky-rocket, children will continue to be denied the essential supports they deserve and are entitled to, and this government will carry on breaking the law. Enough is enough.”
According to the figures, 106 assessments were carried out in Meath during the first three quarters of 2025, with only seven completed within the required timeframe.
“The government must make emergency funding available and commit to a specific timeframe in which it will meet its legal obligations,” Mr O’Rourke said.
He also called for a refreshed workforce plan to train, recruit and retain staff, alongside adequate funding for special needs services, including the provision of appropriate school places for children with additional needs.