Government “masking” scale of special needs crisis says Crowe

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has said that the government are “masking” the scale of the special needs crisis in Irish education.

Figures released by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality last week show that there are 2,003 overdue Assessment of Needs reports in the Dublin South West Area at the end of Q1 2026.

1,811 were overdue by more than three months, and only 77 had been completed in Q1 2026.

The Sinn Féin TD called the statistics “staggering.”

“Despite what the government may say, an AON report is still essential in accessing any supports that a child might need and that failure to provide one within a statutory timeframe is a breach of the government’s legal obligations,” Crowe said.

Discussing the statistics, Crowe said, “we’re talking a fraction of a fraction of the amount needed.”

“This is a staggering failure when it is the government’s legal obligation to issue a report within a timeframe set out by law. Failure to do so represents a overwhelming breakdown in service provision on the part of government,” the Sinn Féin TD said.

“And despite what the government may say, any parent in that position will tell you that an Assessment of Need is still very much essential in getting onto the waiting list for any services a child may provide. When the Minister says anything to the contrary, they are only attempting to mask the disaster they have presided over,” he stated.

“The government cannot continue to defend a system where assessments are delayed, service statements are issued at an unacceptably low rate, and vulnerable children are left waiting for the support they need.”