The assessment of needs is required for children with conditions such as autism in order to determine what supports they require.
Thousands of families with children who require an assessment have been forced to wait an extended period of time due to the backlog, which will now be tackled under the new Sláintecare initiative.
The package will provide funding for clinicians to work overtime and at weekends, to fill posts currently vacant due to maternity leave, to procure private assessments and to recruit additional clinical staff where necessary.
The funding package was announced by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Minister for State for Disability Anne Rabbitte.
Mr Donnelly said “This is one of a number of actions that the Government is taking as part of our commitment to universal healthcare.
“Ireland’s healthcare system must be world-class for all, from young to old.”
“I hope this announcement gives hope to families waiting for an assessment for their child,” said Ms Rabbitte.
“Once we clear these backlogs, I expect the HSE to meet its statutory obligations for all new referrals”.
Under Government plans, the process for assessment of needs for all applications will be standardised across all areas to aid the speed and provision of services to children with disabilities and their families.
