Darmody campaign on assessments of needs a 'rare victory for families', says Bonfield

The Government’s response to Labour’s motion last week on State aid for families needing assessment of needs for their children was a rare victory for all families in that situation, according to Cllr Fiona Bonfield.

In response to a Labour Party motion in the Dáil, Minister Anne Rabbitte made a significant contribution and confirmed that she will take up the policy approach of allowing private treatment for children with disabilities to be recouped from the State.

Welcoming this, Cllr Fiona Bonfield said: “Minister Anne Rabbitte committed in response to Labour’s motion that if the six planned regional assessment teams are not set up by August 1 to tackle the enormous assessment of needs waiting lists, she will bring Labour’s proposals for covering costs to the Budget."

Cllr Bonfield said that no child should have to wait for an assessment of need, but, unfortunately, as it stood, thousands of children were.

"I am working with many families in Tipperary who are exhausted from being in constant battle with the State to just try and get fairness for their children," said the Newport councillor.

“I was delighted that the Darmody family joined us in Leinster House last week to hear Government concede at last. The Darmody family are just one of the thousands of families nationwide who are at breaking point," she said.

Cllr Bonfield said that, as of March 2023, 10,696 children had been waiting for over 12 months for initial contact with a Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT), an increase of 836 since December, and 17,157 were waiting in total.

"The uncertainty and lack of support for these families is nothing short of a national disgrace," she said. “Early intervention is crucial for children. We welcome the Government’s move and will continue to advocate for these families.”