Over 290 Mayo children waiting for a disability assessment

More than 290 children in Mayo are being impacted by the “shameful failure” to address the deepening crisis in Assessments of Need (AON).

Sinn Féin TD for Rose Conway-Walsh, has slammed the government for not tackling the issue.

Deputy Conway-Walsh was responding to figures obtained by Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly which reveal that a staggering 18,097 children across the state are waiting on an AON, with the average waiting time now over 27 months - despite a legal 6-month timeframe.

The shocking figures reveal 0% of assessments in Mayo were completed within the legal timeframe so far in 2025. 

There are 291 children in Mayo awaiting assessment.

New figures from the HSE concerning Assessments of Need (AON) are a damning indictment of this government’s approach to children with disabilities. They reveal a crisis that is ever deepening despite repeated promises to get control of the situation.

“The situation is stark. Across the State, the number of children waiting for an AON has ballooned to 18,097. This is an almost 10% increase since Q2 of this year, when the figure was at 16,593. In Mayo alone, 291 children are waiting for an AON. This is a shameful increase of almost 20% since Q2 of this year,” said Deputy Conway-Walsh.

“The crisis is widespread across the state. In Mayo so far in 2025, 0% of children have had their AON completed on time. This is truly scandalous. The government is not only failing these children and their families, it is breaking the law,” she added.

The Erris TD said emergency funding is required to alleviate the situation.

Without a change in approach, waiting lists will continue to sky-rocket, children will continue to be denied the essential education they deserve and are entitled to, and this government will carry on breaking the law. Enough is enough.

“The government must make emergency funding available and commit to a specific timeframe in which it will meet its legal obligations, and outline a refreshed workforce plan to train, recruit, and retain staff. Adequate funding for special needs services, including the provision of appropriate school places for children with additional needs must also be made available," Deputy Conway-Walsh stated.