Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
882. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she plans to provide additional funding to Section 39 agencies for the additional costs incurred from the new pension auto-enrolment scheme; if she will provide additional funding in a time sensitive manner given that Section 39 agencies are already incurring these additional costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6170/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department provides funding to the HSE to deliver specialist disability services either directly or via Section 38 and Section 39 voluntary sector organisations. While this Department sets the strategy, policy direction and the overall allocation for the disability sector, funding allocations to individual service providers is an operational matter for the HSE as the commissioning and funding authority.
Agencies, organisations and charities providing specialist disability services that will be covered by the new auto-enrolment scheme are those funded under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004. These organisations receive a portion of their funding from the HSE to deliver agreed services. Funding is provided to organisations by the HSE through the grant process to support quality person-centred services.
DCDE has been awarded a historic allocation of €3.9 billion for specialist disability services. Additional funding provided for 2026 is intended to address overall cost pressures for HSE funded services within these organisations, ensuring a stable base upon which to plan and expand services now and into the future.
It is, however, important to note that Section 39 providers, while supported by the HSE, are independent entities, and as such employment contracts and obligations (e.g. auto-enrolment, pay, pensions) are matters between the employer and their employees. As these staff are not public sector employees, responsibility for meeting obligations under the new auto-enrolment scheme rests with their respective employers.
I appreciate the critical work that Section 39 providers perform to aid those availing of services and I would like to thank the staff and volunteers in all Section 39 providers for the key work they do in improving people’s lives.
