An Assessment of Needs in Ireland is a process established under the Disability Act 2005. It allows children and young people who may have a disability to be independently assessed to identify their health, educational, and personal care needs, and to determine what services are required to meet those needs.
Key Assessment Areas Covered
- Communication & Speech
- Physical & Motor Skills
- Cognitive & Educational
- Social & Emotional
Some current data
• 5,939 assessment completed in 2025
• 3,043 assessment completed in the first half of 2026
• 23,000 applications overdue (more than 6 months) nationwide
• autism spectrum disorder was recorded as the main disability category in 52% of completed assessments
More information:
Citizens Information Board website
HSE website
