Children waiting 19 months for assessment of need  'massive failure of the system'

According to HSE figures, some 5,078 assessment of need applications are overdue for completion, with 281 of these on the grounds of there being exceptional circumstances. File picture

The 19-month average waiting time for an assessment of need, hampered by a creaking IT infrastructure, has been described as a "massive failing of the system", as more than 5,000 children remain in the pending category.

According to figures provided by the HSE to Cork East TD Seán Sherlock, some 5,078 assessment of need applications are overdue for completion, with 281 of these on the grounds of there being exceptional circumstances.