Episode Details

It's claimed a two-tier system has been created in Clare by the backlog in the number of outstanding assessment of needs. New data from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality shows just five assessments were carried out in the first quarter of 2026. In comparison to last year, Clare is behind pace in the number of assessment of needs carried out in the county. At the end of June 2025, 19 assessments had been carried out, with just a quarter of that figure completed in the first three months of this year, despite a near 10% increase in the number of assessments carried out nationwide. Private assessments can be acquired for between €900 and €1,500, however, delays are also resulting in backlogs in private therapists waiting lists. Founder of Clare Crusaders Children's Clinic, Ann Norton, says the vast majority of parents are priced out of applying for private assessments. On April 1st, a total of 109 assessments were overdue in the county, with 86% of these overdue by three months or more. This represents an increase of 41 in a nine month period from the 68 recorded at the end of June last year. Clare disability rights activist Ann Marie Flanagan claims backlogs in the system is creating intense trauma for children awaiting assessment. The Ennistymon native says the failure to make space for new assessments is degrading to those impacted.