Children's Ombudsman demands answers over lengthy waiting lists for care

There are nearly 4,000 children currently waiting for an Assessment of Need. Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children has called on the HSE to account fully and publicly for the ongoing problems.  Picture: Moya Nolan

The Ombudsman for Children has called on HSE chief Paul Reid to come before the Oireachtas to explain the continuing problems with Assessments of Need (AON) for children with a disability, with some facing a wait four years or more.

Dr Niall Muldoon's office published a report called Unmet Needs last year which focused on issues facing children seeking interventions, including Assessment of Need. A year on, he is now demanding an explanation as to why waiting lists are still growing, despite commitments to address them.