Significant Reforms Announced for Child Assessments in Kilkenny

UPDATE: Major reforms to the Assessment of Need (AON) process have been announced, promising immediate changes for children in Kilkenny. Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, John McGuinness, hailed these modifications as a transformative leap towards a “faster, fairer, and more child-centred system” under the Disability (Amendment) Act 2025.

The reforms aim to streamline the AON process significantly, allowing children to access essential support without unnecessary delays. McGuinness stated, “These changes will cut through unnecessary bureaucracy,” emphasizing that therapists will now devote more time to providing therapy rather than managing paperwork.

A key feature of the reforms is the introduction of a new Autism Assessment & Intervention Protocol set to launch in February 2026. This initiative is designed to expedite assessments and interventions for children on the autism spectrum, addressing the urgent demand for timely support.

The government’s commitment to enhancing services is further reflected in Budget 2026, which allocates major funding to boost both immediate capacity and long-term sustainability in the assessment system. McGuinness reiterated, “While private assessments will help reduce the backlog, they are not a long-term solution. What matters is building a strong, public, multidisciplinary system—and that’s exactly what these workforce measures support.”

In addition to reforms in the AON process, McGuinness welcomed upcoming changes within the education system that will prevent delays in children’s learning due to pending assessments. He stated, “Children will no longer be held back because their parents are waiting for a report.”

These significant reforms come as a direct response to concerns voiced by parents, advocates, and disability organizations. “We have heard your issues and we understand them,” McGuinness affirmed. “These changes represent a significant step toward making AONs faster, fairer, and truly focused on children’s needs.”

As these reforms roll out, parents and advocates are encouraged to stay informed about the upcoming changes. McGuinness pledged to continue advocating for further improvements in the system, emphasizing that while this is a substantial step forward, additional work remains.

Stay tuned for ongoing updates on these crucial developments affecting children’s health and education in Kilkenny.