The HSE has consented to orders requiring it to complete, within eight weeks, an assessment of the health and educational needs of three siblings with suspected autism. The children, represented by Feichin McDonagh SC claimed the HSE was guilty of undue and excessive delays in considering the applications for assessment. Permission to bring judicial review proceedings against the HSE was granted on an ex parte basis (one side only represented) in December. The boys cases are among dozens of similar High Court proceedings brought against the HSE on behalf of young children over delays in having their needs assessed. The lack of formal diagnoses and assessment delays have resulted in the children being unable to secure places in schools or playschools with specialist autism units, the mother alleges.

Source: The Irish Times February 08, 2019 20:15 UTC