Disability Services
Dail Éireann — 2026-05-28
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Niamh Smyth (FF), Cavan-Monaghan

I again thank the Deputy for raising this important issue, which is a priority for the Ministers, Deputies Foley and Browne, and the wider Government. The Government recognises that there is more to do to improve the lived experience of those with disabilities. The increase in the disability budget for 2026 further demonstrates the multiple commitments made in the programme for Government to improve the lives of people with disabilities and make a difference. The Minister, Deputy Foley, would like to reiterate the importance of ensuring that we continue to support people with disabilities to live meaningful and fulfilling lives, with a person-centred approach across all the services provided. The ambition of the Government is to bring about a step change in services for people with disabilities in Ireland. It is committed to the expansion and reform of disability services to maximise people's independence and their health supports to help them to live ordinary lives in ordinary places.
The Minister wishes to reassure the Deputy that the Government is aware of the challenges presented across all regions. The Department is actively engaging with the Department of housing and the HSE to increase service provision, to support service providers to carry out their vital work and to explore various ways of responding to demand.
I have taken note of the specific issues the Deputy has raised and I will relay them to the Minister, Deputy Foley.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-05-28/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-21T01:01:08+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-28