'Victory for rights of children with disabilities,' children to benefit from court ruling
Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath issued a statement welcoming the court ruling
Independent TD Mattie McGrath has welcomed the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the HSE's obligation to provide clear timelines for delivering services to children with disabilities.
The ruling reinforces the enforceable rights of these children under the Disability Act 2005.
In its decision, the Supreme Court emphasized that the HSE must set out and implement "measurable" actions when providing services to children with disabilities.
The court rejected the HSE's appeal against a High Court finding that it failed to comply with its legal obligations concerning an eight-year-old girl diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and global developmental delay.
Deputy McGrath stated: "This landmark ruling is a significant victory for the rights of children with disabilities and their families. For too long, families have faced uncertainty and delays in accessing essential services. The Supreme Court's decision sends a clear message that the HSE must uphold its legal responsibilities and provide timely support."
The judgment comes amid ongoing concerns about delays in the HSE's assessment of needs process while two separate debates on the matter were held in Dáil Éireann recently.
Referencing the Disability Services situation locally, Deputy McGrath highlighted that there are 233 children and young people currently awaiting an Autism Assessment in South Tipperary while the wait time for assessment for a new referral is currently 48 months.
Deputy McGrath continued: "The systemic delays in assessments and service provision are unacceptable. Children with disabilities deserve prompt access to the support they need to thrive. I urge the HSE and the Department of Health to take immediate action to address these delays and ensure compliance with this ruling.
The time for excuses has long past, if the HSE had put as much effort into providing services as they do fighting legal challenges, they might actually serve the children of this country. The Government and HSE must act now," concluded McGrath