Cathy Bennett TD asked the Minister for Children: Disabilities Assessments

Cathy Bennett TD raised a question in the Dáil on 23 June 2026 to the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, asking for figures on how many children in County Cavan and County Monaghan received an assessment of need within the statutory six‑month timeframe during 2024 up to that date, and how many had not. The question was tabled as part of the Oireachtas debate record.

The statutory requirement is that a child referred for a disability assessment must be assessed within six months of referral. According to new figures reported by the Irish Independent, only one child in both Cavan and Monaghan has received an assessment within this legal period. The data suggest a significant shortfall in meeting the statutory deadline across the two counties.

The Minister was asked to clarify how many children have been assessed on time and how many remain outside the six‑month window. No response has yet been provided, leaving the issue unresolved at this stage.

Local advocacy groups in Cavan are concerned about the delays and are urging the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to address the backlog and ensure that all children receive timely support. The question remains open as the Minister prepares a reply.

For further details, see the Oireachtas debate record and Irish Independent coverage.

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