The Assessment of Need (AON) process is provided for under the Disability Act 2005 and is a process under the remit of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
All children/young people born on or after 1 June 2002, who are suspected of having a disability, are eligible to apply to the HSE for an AON under the Disability Act (2005). If the HSE Assessment Officer forms the opinion that a child or young person requires an assessment of education needs as part of the HSE Assessment of Need Process, he/she will contact the NCSE.
This requires the NCSE to nominate an appropriate person who will complete a Report of Education Needs. Engagement with this part of the process will be through the NCSE.
Department of Education and Youth Circular 0069/2025 Assessment of Need was published on 07 October 2025 (Preceded by: 0025/2024 Report of Education Need for the Purpose of the Assessment of Need Disability Act 2005.
If your school requires additional support in the completion of the NCSE Report of Education Needs for the purpose of AON, the NCSE AON Team are available to support as required through this process:
- Dedicated email support from the NCSE – aon@ncse.ie
- Support from the NCSE AON team on our dedicated phone line – 01 603 3456
- Advisor support on request via phone, and if required virtual support and/or in school support
- An FAQ document which will be updated regularly
