System of assessing needs of children under fire

The HSE has been warned that concerns voiced by psychologists and therapists over a revamp of assessment of need for children have not gone away amid calls for fresh consultation on the issue.

The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), which has 3,000 members, also indicated that it would consider the possibility of joining forces with the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI) and the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) in making a joint submission to the HSE on the issue.

An assessment of need (AON) allows children to be diagnosed and then apply for the resources they require in line with their disability.