Over 18,000 Children Overdue for Critical Assessments

URGENT UPDATE: New data from the Health Service Executive (HSE) reveals a staggering 18,097 children are currently overdue for their Assessment of Need (AON) completion as of the third quarter of 2025. This alarming figure marks a 9% increase from the 16,593 reported in Q2, highlighting a growing crisis in child healthcare services.

The HSE reports that among those overdue, 15,256 children have been waiting for over three months. This surge comes in the wake of 2,957 new applications received in Q3 alone, contributing to a total of 9,570 applications submitted so far this year. Comparatively, this is a striking 22% increase from the 7,852 applications filed during the same period last year.

The situation is particularly dire in the HSE Dublin, Dublin and Midlands region, where a staggering 6,585 children are overdue for their AONs. Of these, 5,934 have been waiting for more than three months. This area encompasses several districts, including Dublin South City, Dublin West, Kildare, and others.

In the HSE Dublin and North East region, 5,577 children are also overdue, with 4,733 waiting over three months. This includes areas such as North Dublin, Louth, and Meath. Meanwhile, the Dublin and South East region reports 2,752 children overdue, and the HSE South West region, covering Cork and Kerry, has 1,569 children overdue.

Overall, the HSE confirmed that 1,616 AONs were completed in Q3 2025, demonstrating a significant 54% increase from 1,047 completed in the same quarter of 2024. However, the percentage of AONs indicating ‘No Disability’ has also risen from 15.8% in 2010 to 29% in 2025, suggesting a shift in the nature of these assessments.

Looking ahead, the HSE anticipates that the total number of applications could soar to as high as 13,000 by the end of the year. The urgency for timely assessments and the impact on families is undeniable, as these delays can significantly affect children’s access to necessary support services.

The HSE has also disclosed that they have commissioned 6,378 AONs from private providers from June 2024 to September 2025, indicating a response to the growing backlog and pressing demand for timely evaluations.

As this situation develops, families and stakeholders are urged to stay informed and engaged. The implications of these delays are profound, affecting the well-being and future of thousands of children across Ireland.

Stay tuned for further updates as this critical issue unfolds.