Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that it is staggering over many Assessment of Needs reports are overdue, while the completion rate is so low and that, despite what the government may say, an AON report is still essential in accessing any supports that a child might need and that failure to provide one within a statutory timeframe is a breach of the Government’s legal obligations.

Figures released by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality this week show that while there are 2,003 overdue Assessment of Needs reports in the Dublin South West Area at the end of Q1 2026, 1,811 were overdue by more than three months and only 77 had been completed in Q1 2026.

Teachta Crowe said:

“Figures released by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality this week show a staggering level of delay and failure in the Assessment of Needs system. There are almost two thousand children in the Dublin South West area alone who have completed an assessment, but their report is more than three months overdue.

“There were 1,811 children waiting more than three months in March of this year and in the first three months of the year, only 77 reports had been issued. We’re talking a fraction of a fraction of the amount needed.

“This is a staggering failure when it is the Government’s legal obligation to issue a report within a timeframe set out by law. Failure to do so represents a overwhelming breakdown in service provision on the part of government.

“And despite what the government may say, any parent in that position will tell you that an Assessment of Need is still very mush essential in getting onto the waiting list for any services a child may provide. When the Minister says anything to the contrary, they are only attempting to mask the disaster they have presided over.

“The Government cannot continue to defend a system where assessments are delayed, service statements are issued at an unacceptably low rate, and vulnerable children are left waiting for the support they need.”