Cian O'Callaghan
Question:62. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach for an overview of the ‘Budget 2026: Spotlight on Disability’ report recently published by his Department. [12355/26]
View answerTuesday, 3 March 2026
Questions (62)
Written answers
The Budget 2026: Spotlight on Disability report was published by my Department in December 2025. This is the first Budget spotlight report prepared by the Disability Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach, established to bring a renewed focus, urgency and weight to disability issues.
Drawing on inputs received from Government Departments, the report outlines new or enhanced disability-related measures introduced in Budget 2026 that will support the implementation of the Government’s overarching strategy for disability, the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030.
The report finds that Budget 2026 had a particularly strong focus on investment in both disability and mainstream services. A record €3.8 billion allocation to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality for specialist disability services represents a 20% increase in funding for disability services, which will improve both sustainability of the sector and delivery of disability services for children and adults.
The increased investment will, amongst other outcomes, expand access to respite services for families, provide new places in day services, and enhance therapy services and other specialised supports through local Children’s Disability Network Teams.
Special education also saw record investment under Budget 2026, totalling €3 billion, which will see an additional 860 special education teachers appointed along with over 1,700 Special Needs Assistants.
Other initiatives outlined in the report include increased investment in housing adaptation grants and in the public transport retrofit programme, along with enhanced supports for employers for the employment of disabled people.
In addition, Budget 2026 also contained targeted and mainstream social protection measures which will support households with disabilities, including increases in weekly rates, expansion of eligibility to schemes, and amendments to income disregards for carers.
Budget 2026 is a first step in the Government’s ambition to deliver the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. I believe we have made a strong start in year 1 of our programme of work and investment. Future budgets are expected to build on this progress to ensure disabled people are supported, empowered, and enabled to fully participate in their communities and society.
Questions Nos. 63 to 74, inclusive, resubmitted.