Disability Services
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-20
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Emer Higgins (FG), Dublin Mid-West

The Deputy is right that it is important that not only should we provide access to high-quality day services right across the country, which we are, but we should also ensure that people can get there as easily as possible. I appreciate that and every effort is being made to ensure that local public transport links are provided. In Meath's situation, which is unique, there is a bespoke solution that is working for the people there.
I appreciate that there is the waiting list of five, but it is something unique to Meath and I think it is working quite well from the feedback I have had. I will point out now that under pillar 5 of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, our new strategy launched last September, the Department of Transport has the lead responsibility for reducing and, where possible, eliminating transport barriers faced by disabled people. I think that is really important. Under that pillar, there is a commitment to personal mobility and to supporting those who cannot use or easily access any public transport through the provision of enhanced personal mobility options.
The Government's ambition is also reflected in the really significant investment being made in specialist disability services in recent years, with record investment of €3.8 billion in 2026 alone. This includes additional funding for a new cohort of 1,400 school leavers and 53 day-service places for non-school leavers. The Government is absolutely committed to supporting people with disabilities and to ensuring they are enabled to reach their full potential in the spirit of the UNCRPD. I thank the Deputy for raising the case with us here today.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-01-20/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:31+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-20