Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
278. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the multi-annual funding will be allocated, via the Health Service Executive, to section 38 and section 39 disability services providers, to enable forward planning of services to children and adults with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10908/26]
View answerOver the past five years, significant resources have been invested in disability services, with core funding increasing from €2.2bn in 2021 to €3.9bn in 2026.
The increase in 2026 represents a €628m or 20% increase on 2025 funding levels and reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening the funding provided for the disability sector and to addressing the shortfalls identified in the Disability Capacity Review.
Unlike the position for capital expenditure, where multi-annual commitments are made within the National Development Plan, the Estimates process for current expenditure allocates funding on an annual (single- year) basis and no formal mechanism currently exists to provide funding on a multi-annual basis to providers.
The Government is committed to the improvement of disability services across Ireland and the programme for government clearly reflects this. The recent publication of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, also provides a guideline for service improvement and strategic goals for the coming years.
The Department is also currently working on an updated Disability Capacity review to allow more informed planning and investment in future years. This will inform the strategy which will come into effect upon the conclusion of the Disability Action Plan 2024-2026, which is currently in its final year.
The Action Plan has informed budget deliberations and the prioritisation of areas for development in previous years. It is expected that similarly to the Action Plan, the new plan will be a living document and will inform the investment into the disability sector, the HSE and its Section 38 and Section 39 organisations.
