HSE — Assessment of Need
HSE guidance on the statutory Assessment of Need process under the Disability Act 2005 and its relationship to health-service access.
Scope for navigation
Republic of Ireland Practical guide
The reviewed scope identifies the Republic of Ireland and does not include Northern Ireland.
What it is for
Use to distinguish a legal needs/service assessment from autism or ADHD clinical diagnostic assessment.
Who or what context
People in the Republic of Ireland considering an Assessment of Need for themselves or a child.
Access
Related topics
Questions that lead here
Limitations and possible poor fit
- Assessment of Need is a separate legal process and should not be described as equivalent to autism or ADHD diagnosis.
- Eligibility and statutory timeframes belong to the Assessment of Need process, not to ordinary diagnostic assessment.
- The page states an Assessment of Need is not required to access health services; that does not guarantee access to every particular service.
Cost and access notes
- Publicly accessible online; applications are handled through the relevant local assessment officer.
Ownership and conflicts
- HSE administers the process it describes; ND Oracle records the statutory route without providing legal advice or predicting an individual outcome.
Evidence status
This listing makes no efficacy or safety claim. It records what the resource is, what it is for, how to reach it and what limitations are already known.
Page provenance and review state
HSE Assessment of Need page checked on 2026-09-04 for Disability Act 2005 status, access distinction and application process. Listing is descriptive and claimless.