The number of people on the wait list for an assessment of need in Cavan and Monaghan has been revealed.
The data was sought by local TD Cathy Bennett.
Cavan and Monaghan had 578 overdue applications for an Assessment of Need at the end of March.
That's according to figures were given by Minister Norma Foley in response to a parliamentary question from Independent TD Cathy Bennett.
The Minister said the HSE does not provide Assessment of Need figures by county, but the Cavan/Monaghan Local Health Office area had 578 applications overdue for completion at the end of March 2026.
Nationally, the average time taken to complete an Assessment of Need report was 23.81 months.
The Minister said delays in accessing assessments are unacceptable and that work is underway to improve the system.
Though said it was important to note that that children do not require an Assessment of Need report to access health services, including Primary Care, Children's Disability Network Teams, Mental Health Services, or education supports.
However, demand for Assessments of Need has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting both the increase in population and families exploring all options to access services for their child.
She added that there has been intensive work by the Department and the HSE to address delays in the provision of the Assessment of Need.
