DISABILITIES Minister, Norma Foley has agreed that accessing services for families with autistic children are “an unfinished journey,” with work needed to take obstacles out of the way of getting a diagnosis and many other areas of need.
She said the Assessment of Needs (AON) service “is not working. It is not serving people. We have recognised that…the Department of Education is working on a programme where a child will not need and AON to access a special class or a special school”. Minister Foley said “the legislation that is needed to change that system, we are working on that presently”.
“Working with the HSE, they are working on a system called Single Point of Access. Parents feel they have to fight for everything – they are on a multiplicity of lists, (for services). The HSE will introduce this single point of access where they arrive and they make an application at that single point then it is a matter for the HSE to follow up on all the different requirements..there will be only one door they will have to go through. The HSE say that will be operational this summer”.
Other areas Minister Foley said she is working on in tandem with the relevant departments are issues such as the lack of local authority housing for people with disabilities and issues are ound the cost of disability. “There is a public consultation on at the moment to ensure that by the next budget there will be a specific cost of disability payment”.
The Minister was speaking with the Limerick Post after she officially opened the new a state-of-the-art Day service in Limerick city centre, which provides person-centred support for 21 individuals with disabilities. In collaboration with the HSE, RehabCare transitioned its Rockfield House service to a modern, accessible, city‑centre location at George’s Quay in Limerick.
The central location of the service enhances access to local agencies and further enables meaningful participation in community life, supporting the development of independent living skills. The enhanced space allows for a greater number of people to access the service and enables people to take part in a range of tailored programmes and activities on a one-to-one basis and in group settings.
Asked about the long delays for families who need a diagnosis so their child can access services and those families often having to find the money for a private diagnosis the Minister said, ‘Significant progress has been made but so much more progress is required…it’s an unfinished journey”.
The minister said that progress has been made in doubling the number of special classes and in training those who teach those classes. “We have between 40 and 50,000 professionals dedicated to the area of special education and we still have so much more to do”.
Speaking at the official launch event, Minister Foley said: “I am delighted to open this fantastic new day service location for people with disabilities right in the heart of Limerick City. People who attend Riverview have great opportunities to live the lives of their choosing, including accessing paid employment, volunteering, charity fundraising, joining social groups and pursing health and fitness goals.”
Laura Keane, Rehab Group CEO, said: “Today is much more than the opening of a building. It is the celebration of a journey, and a commitment to the future, and it is a strong example of partnership in action. Funded by the HSE and aligned with national disability policy, RehabCare Riverview works closely with families, clinical teams, and community organisations to ensure that support is not only effective but also holistic, respectful, and empowering.”
Minister Foley began her visit at Southill Family Resource Centre, one of 136 Family Resource Centres funded nationally through Tusla, the Child and Family Agency and later performed a sod‑turning ceremony at the site of the new Avista Children’s Respite House in Annacotty.