Disability Issues
Seanad Éireann — 2026-07-07
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Emer Higgins (FG), Dublin Mid-West

To be clear, we are absolutely focused on making sure there is progress in this area, but we know there are huge challenges. We need to work through those challenges to improve access to disability services but also in being able to expand residential capacity and strengthen the supports that enable people to live independent and fulfilling lives.
The Senator mentioned the figure regarding planned placements, and she is correct. However, she might not be aware that this is the first time ever we have had planned placements as a target. This is something we have introduced this year that we want to build on next year. It is a figure we want to see moving in the right direction, because it is absolutely needed. As I mentioned, we had a significant increase in the disability budget for this year, which shows Government's commitment to making a real difference to the lives of people with disabilities and to the lives of their families as well.
My Department will continue to work across Government, which was one of the Senator's asks in her opening remarks. We will work cross-government with the Department of housing and local government, the HSE and other partners, including local authorities, to respond to what we know is growing demand and to ensure that residential services are planned and are delivered in a way that will become a way that best meets the needs of people with disabilities.
The Minister, Deputy Foley, the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and I have all met the Before We Die group that the Senator mentioned. There is commitment at the highest political level on this issue. The group has done amazing work. I met its members only last week with the Tánaiste to go through the results of its surveys and its requests. I will continue to work with it to deliver improvements in this area.
We need to get to a point where there is a more planned and sustainable approach to this issue. I am determined to do that. I will continue to work with the Senator, her colleagues and advocacy groups.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-07-07/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:09+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-07-07