Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
702. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the plans in place to expand the respite workforce, including SNAs, care assistants, and respite nurses, in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56860/25]
View answerThrough the Programme for Government, the Government has committed to progressively increase funding for respite services, including the Home Support Emergency Respite Scheme; continue to support and expand the network respite houses for children and adults; and to continue to support and offer alternative respite.
A total of €3.8 billion has been allocated for Disability Services in Budget 2026, representing a 20% increase year on year and represents an overall increase since 2020 of €1.8bn.
The specific quantities of service to be provided through this additional allocation will be set out in more detail in the HSE’s National Service Plan.
The issue of funding and recruitment of Special Needs Assistants is a matter for the Department of Education and Youth.
