Written Answers Nos. 466-481
466. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with animal welfare organisations in relation to their specific concerns related to sulky racing on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29515/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra467. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether existing legislation is sufficient to address specific concerns related to sulky racing on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29518/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra468. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with An Garda Síochána in relation to specific concerns related to sulky racing on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29519/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra469. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the number of prosecutions in the past five years specifically related to sulky racing and related offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29522/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra470. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to an animal welfare case (details supplied); his views on whether existing animal welfare legislation is sufficient to address cases such as this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29524/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra471. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the merits of establishing a standalone Garda animal crime unit to address extreme cases of animal cruelty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29536/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 466, 467, 468, 469, 470 and 471 together.
I am aware of the report to which the Deputy refers.
Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. My Department strongly condemns the mistreatment of any animal and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society.
The use of sulkies on public roads, as with the use of all vehicles, including animal-drawn vehicles, is governed by the relevant provisions of the Roads and Road Traffic Acts. Matters in connection with this legislation are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport. In addition, the drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána, who have responsibility in relation to prosecutions regarding breaches of this legislation. My Department does not hold records on the number of prosecutions in the past five years specifically related to sulky racing, this information can be requested from An Garda Síochána directly.
My Department is committed to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare. In this regard, my Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.
The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to build on existing inspectorate supports across the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare. It must be emphasised that primary responsibility for the health and welfare of equines lies with the owner or keeper.
In 2025, a process was initiated to develop a new animal welfare strategy, which will act as a framework for engagement and collaboration to direct future activities with the aim of benefiting both animals and Irish society. Development of the strategy is now well underway following broad stakeholder engagement including a non-statutory public consultation that was launched on November 19th and ran to January 2nd. In excess of 1750 individual submissions were received as part of that process.
The new strategy will continue to adopt a ‘One Health, One Welfare’ approach, acknowledging and valuing the inter-dependencies between human, animal and environmental health, and taking an evidence-led approach to policy making, target-setting, monitoring and evaluation. I expect to launch the new welfare strategy in Q2, 2026.
Also in 2025, my Department published Professor Patrick Wall’s report on equine traceability and welfare and prepared an action plan to implement its recommendations, which is progressing.
Under the Animal Welfare Grants programme, in December 2025, my Department provided funding of almost €6.5 million to 94 animal welfare charities throughout the country. Of that figure, just over €4 million was awarded to charities involved in the care and welfare of horses.
I am satisfied that these measures provide a comprehensive framework and sufficient safeguards to ensure the welfare of animals and currently there are no plans to establish another authority. The deployment of Garda resources is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
472. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent of deforestation in the State over the past five years; the number of hectares of woodland cleared annually; the primary reasons for such deforestation, including commercial, agricultural, or infrastructural activities; to provide information on enforcement actions taken in cases of illegal tree felling; the measures being implemented to protect native woodlands and increase afforestation rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29539/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraForestry in Ireland operates within a legal and regulatory framework and my Department acts on non-compliance, including deforestation. Felling of trees requires a licence, with an obligation to replant, and felling of trees without a licence is an offence under section 26 of the Forestry Act.
Replanting Orders are the primary method used, alongside prosecutions for non-compliance with the Forestry Act, to ensure replanting obligations are met. The EU Deforestation Regulation also aims to prevent the placement of products on the market from deforested areas.
Below is a table showing the number of Alleged Illegal Forestry incidents reported and acted upon since 2021. My Department follows up on all reports of deforestation, but all reports may not lead to legal action.
|
Year |
Number of AIFs Reported |
Number of Investigations |
Number of Prosecutions |
Number of Replanting Orders issued |
Area (ha) |
|
2021 |
89 |
18 |
0 |
18 |
n/a |
|
2022 |
151 |
11 |
0 |
11 |
45.30 |
|
2023 |
196 |
142 |
2 |
30 |
50.80 |
|
2024 |
176 |
138 |
3 |
14 |
25.13 |
|
2025 |
157 |
104 |
2 |
3 |
44.28 |
|
2026 |
84 |
65 |
0 |
8 |
33.93 |
According to the latest COFORD All Ireland Roundwood Production report, the following harvest was predicted for each year since 2021. It should be noted that all harvested areas must be replanted as part of the felling licence conditionality.
|
Year |
Private Thinnings (ha) |
Private Clearfell (ha) |
Coillte Thinnings (ha) |
Coillte Clearfell (ha) |
Total Area (ha) |
|
2021 |
9,097 |
3,245 |
16,448 |
5,863 |
34,653 |
|
2022 |
11,124 |
3,539 |
16,448 |
5,863 |
36,974 |
|
2023 |
12,577 |
4,914 |
16,448 |
5,863 |
39,802 |
|
2024 |
12,043 |
4,652 |
16,448 |
5,863 |
39,006 |
|
2025 |
13,100 |
5,105 |
16,448 |
5,863 |
40,516 |
|
2026 |
19,022 |
5,476 |
15,125 |
5,863 |
45,486 |
My Department’s Felling and Reforestation Policy however, does outline scenarios where forests can be permanently removed, such as supporting renewable energy projects, or where there are overriding environmental considerations.
My Department works hard to promote afforestation and protect and expand native woodland through initiatives like Native Woodland, Continuous Cover Forestry, Emergent Forests and the initiative, ‘Forests on Public Lands’, which specifically encourages the planting of new native woodlands.
To assist the promotion of broadleaf, targets for broadleaf have been increased along with a significant increase in premiums, when establishing a native forest. In addition, the Native Tree Area Scheme facilitates small-scale planting. Finally, the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme provides financial support for appropriate management of existing native woodland.
Furthermore, should landowners who planted conifers, wish to replant with native trees, they can apply to the Climate Resilient Reforestation Scheme.
I am confident that attractive supports, measures in the Mid-Term Review, and the provision of tailored opportunities to landowners, will continue to encourage planting and ensure the sustainable management of those forests.
473. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of appeals dealt with by the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board on a year-on-year basis over the past five years; the percentage of those appeals which were ruled invalid, upheld, or overturned in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29601/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board (ALAB) is an independent appeals body established under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997.
The purpose of ALAB is to provide an independent authority for the determination of appeals against decisions of the Minister on aquaculture licence applications.
Pursuant to Section 62(2) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, the Minister may not exercise any power or control in relation to a particular case with which ALAB is or may be concerned.
I have referred the Deputy's request for statistical details to ALAB for attention and direct reply.
474. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has examined the case for placing statutory timeframes on employers for responding to requests for reasonable accommodation in the workplace; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29382/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra475. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the status of the legislation arising from the review of the Equality Acts; the reforms under consideration in relation to reasonable accommodation, redress and enforcement; the expected publication timeline for the Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29383/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra476. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has examined the adequacy of current penalties and enforcement mechanisms under the Employment Equality Acts in cases involving failure to provide reasonable accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29384/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra503. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the timeline for the completion of the review and reform of the Equality Acts insofar as it relates to disability rights in employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29478/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra504. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has engaged with employers, trade unions, disabled persons organisations or advocacy bodies regarding the need for stronger statutory protections in employment for disabled workers seeking reasonable accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29479/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra505. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has assessed the compatibility of current Irish employment equality law and practice with Article 27 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, particularly in relation to reasonable accommodation, timely responses and protection against discrimination in employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29480/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra506. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has examined the case for requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodation passports or equivalent portable accommodation records for disabled employees across role changes, management changes and internal transfers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29481/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra508. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has collected or requested any data on the average time taken by employers to respond to requests for reasonable accommodation from disabled employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29483/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 474, 475, 476, 503, 504, 505, 506 and 508 together.
In November 2024, Government approved the publication of the General Scheme of the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024, which includes a number of legislative provisions arising from a review of Ireland’s equality legislation. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality undertook pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme and issued its report in October 2025. Officials in this Department are considering the recommendations of the report.
As part of the review, the Department invited written submissions to a public consultation. A report summarising the key issues raised was published in July 2023 and is available at assets.gov.ie/static/documents/equality-acts-review_-summary-of-submissions.pdf. As noted in this report, 84 submissions to the consultation related to the disability ground. Section 6.2 of the report summarises the responses received in relation to reasonable accommodation.
The General Scheme was informed by the submissions received in the review process, by additional stakeholder consultations on some of the complex issues arising, as well as by Private Members’ Bills, academic research, and requirements under EU Equality Directives and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The fundamental aim of the General Scheme of the Bill is to strengthen equality protections, and the proposals include changes to the definition of reasonable accommodation, and increases to both the to time limits for complaints and redress that can be awarded. The Joint Oireachtas Committee made recommendations related to reasonable accommodation, and these are being considered.
The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, launched on 3 September 2025, sets out a whole of government approach to advancing implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
The Strategy will advance delivery on actions across five key thematic pillars that collectively capture the full range of issues impacting on the lives of disabled people:
• Inclusive Learning and Education
• Employment
• Independent Living and Active Participation in Society
• Wellbeing and Health
• Transport and Mobility
Pillar Two- Employment, contains an overarching commitment that disabled people will have increased employment opportunities and better access to meaningful employment by 2030. There are three key commitments within the overall pillar: employment in the Civil and Public Sector, Private Sector and an overall commitment to support disabled people to work.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Department of Social Protection are co-leading on the delivery of Pillar Three in collaboration with other government departments and public bodies.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality does not collect data related to reasonable accommodation requests. Complaints under the Equality Acts are brought to the Workplace Relations Commission which publishes summaries of cases and collects and publishes statistical data.
I was pleased to publish Ireland's first National Equality Data Strategy earlier this year, which provides a framework to support the collection and use of equality data across Government. It sets out a plan to develop standardisation, guidance, and capacity-building to support this process over the period of 2026-2031. This is an important step in ensuring that we have the data we need to support the design and delivery of inclusive policies and services into the future.
477. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the cost benefit analysis that has been carried out to determine the benefits of resourcing existing childcare provision facilities versus the construction/ renovation of greenfield sites; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29226/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits for the first time to provide capital investment to build or purchase State-owned early learning and childcare facilities, to create additional capacity in areas where unmet need exists. State ownership of facilities is a very substantial and significant development and offers the potential for much greater scope to influence the nature and volume of provision available and to ensure better alignment with estimated demand.
In January I announced €135 million for this programme of capital investment in buildings for high-quality, accessible State-led early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for this government. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements.
There will be a particular focus in the new State-led facilities on providing places for 1–3-year-old children, with capacity for these children to continue in the service until they start school, because this is where the need is greatest. The aim of delivering additional supply of this type in suitable locations will include both rural areas and urban areas which are not well served at the moment.
The objectives of the capital programme, as set out below, were developed on the basis of a detailed strategic assessment and programmatic business case which analysed the issues of supply of places and options to address misalignment. The are as follows:
To deliver additional publicly subsidised supply for Early Learning and Care where required, with a focus on places for 1- to 3-year-olds and sufficient places for children to age up in the same service.
To deliver additional supply where required in areas of disadvantage and rural areas.
To ensure all supply delivered is inclusive and high quality.
To deliver supply in appropriate locations, taking account of accessibility for parents, links with other relevant services/amenities, appropriate land-use, and spatial planning goals.
To ensure cost-effectiveness and timeliness of delivery.
and
To support improved public management of the ELC sector as a whole.
A suite of appraisal tools have been developed, including a forward planning model, in order to select projects that align with these objectives.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year and the State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030 using the €135 million provided in the National Development Plan. The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government.
A Capital Steering Group is in place within the Department. The Department is assessing sites and buildings and, where required, will seek expressions of interest from operators to deliver these State-led services.
The initial approach is on purchasing and refurbishment of buildings given that this is a faster route to delivery in the short term. However, the option of building new facilities will also be considered over subsequent years.
Separately, capital funding is available to existing providers to extend the current buildings through the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme. Projects that will deliver an estimated 1,500 new places are proceeding. Just this week I have launched a further phase of the scheme which will make available €10 million next year for extensions to premises by both private and community services that are Core Funding Partner Services.
478. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures being taken to address extensive childcare waiting lists, particularly for children under three; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29253/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government.
Early learning and childcare capacity is increasing. Data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2024/25 shows that the estimated number of enrolments increased by approximately 25% from the 2021/22 programme year. However, it appears that demand for early learning and childcare remains higher than available supply in certain parts of the country, particularly for younger children.
A forward planning model is in development which will be central to the Department's plans to achieve the policy goals set out in the Programme for Government to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early childhood education and care system, with State-led facilities adding capacity.
The Department continues to support the ongoing development and resourcing of Core Funding which has given rise to a significant expansion of places since the scheme was first introduced. Core Funding, which is in its fourth programme year, funds services based on the number of places available.
This provides stability to services, and reduces the risk associated with opening a new service or expanding an already existing service. For the third programme year (2024/25), the allocation for Core Funding allowed for a 6% increase in capacity. Budget 2025 secured funding for the fourth programme year (2025/6) to facilitate a further 3.5% increase from September 2025. Budget 2026 has made provision for the fifth programme year (2026/7) for a further expansion in supply of 4.2%.
This increased investment will allow increases in the natural growth of the sector driven both by new services joining the sector and existing services offering more places and/or longer hours to families.
The total allocation for Core Funding in 2026/2027 programme year will increase to €436.54 million, an additional €43.90 million on the current full year allocation.
The Government is also supporting the expansion of capacity through capital funding. The Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme is designed to increase capacity in the 1–3-year-old, pre–Early Childhood Care and Education, age range for full day care. Core Funding Partner Services could apply for capital funding to physically extend their premises or to construct or purchase new premises. The Scheme will deliver up to 1,500 full-day care places for 1- to 3-year-olds. Just this week I announced a further phase of this scheme which will make available an additional €10 million to services to support expansion.
In January I announced €135 million of capital investment over the coming five years for State-led services to provide high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year. The State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030. The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government. There will be a particular focus in the new state-led facilities on providing places for 1-3 year old children because this is where the need is greatest.
The Department is assessing sites and buildings which align with the goals of the programme and, where required, will seek expressions of interest from operators to deliver these State-led services.
The Department funds 30 City/County Childcare Committees, which provide support and assist families and early learning and childcare providers. The network of 30 City/County Childcare Committees across the country can assist in identifying vacant places in services for children and families who need them and engage proactively with services to explore possibilities for expansion among services, particularly where there is unmet need.
Parents experiencing difficulty in relation to their early learning and childcare needs should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee for assistance. Contact details for the City and County Childcare Committee may be found at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees.
479. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the specific measures the Government is taking to reduce child poverty in rural areas, such as County Laois, where deprivation may be underreported; the way in which Tusla and the Ombudsman monitor whether interventions are achieving long-term reductions in child poverty rather than providing only short-term relief; the guarantees that can be given that children in smaller counties receive equitable support compared to urban centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29254/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to addressing child poverty across all of Ireland, in both rural and urban areas. No child should be living in consistent poverty and every child should have the opportunity to thrive. It is crucial that all of society plays it's role in improving outcomes for children and their families. Child poverty requires a cross-governmental response, and I am committed to supporting the broader Government action to combat child poverty. The Child Poverty and Well-being Office in the Department of the Taoiseach was established in 2023 to coordinate government actions that reduce child poverty and foster children’s well-being, focussed on improvements that have the potential to make a big difference to children living in poverty.
In September 2025, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government, the Government agreed a new Child Poverty Target - to reduce the child consistent poverty rate to 3% or less by the end of 2030. This target is ambitious, representing a reduction of 5.5 percentage points from the current rate of 8.5%. In setting this target, the Government is clear that no child should be left behind and that no level of child poverty is acceptable. Tackling child poverty requires sustained investment and cross-Government commitment over many years. The target will guide this work and ensure resources are focused on families with children who are most in need. The Economic and Social Research Institute has estimated that Budget 2026 measures will lift around 2,000 children out of income poverty, and these measures are part of the first year of the Government’s multi-year plan to meet the target.
While consistent poverty is a very important metric, it is not the only way to measure how children are doing. Given the multi-faceted nature of child poverty, both targeted income measures, and non-income measures are key in reducing child poverty, as well as high quality and sustainable employment. To support a multi-dimensional view of child poverty, the Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office has developed a dashboard of indicators that will complement the Child Poverty Target and allow for a more holistic measure of child poverty.
My colleague Dara Calleary, TD, the Minister for Social Protection has responsibility for the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025. A successor strategy for the period 2026-2030 is being developed by his Department for publication in 2026. It is my understanding that the new strategy will again recognise the multi-dimensional nature of poverty and the groups most impacted by poverty and, based on this, will outline cross-Government actions.
Addressing child poverty is one of the priorities highlighted in Young Ireland, the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, and measures taken within this Department reflect this priority. The Department is currently funding four two-year Local Area Child Poverty Action Plan pilots. The objective of these pilot plans is to test better service integration approaches and improve access to available services for disadvantaged children, young people and their families, based on local context and realities. The underpinning assumption informing these Local Area Child Poverty Action Plans is that outcomes for children and families can be improved by first gaining a detailed understanding of the child poverty problem in each area and then using this information to promote experiences of enhanced service integration. Work is progressing in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Tipperary, Monaghan and Kildare. The pilots will explore how to enhance access to vital supports in the areas of early years, food and fuel poverty, for those facing challenging circumstances, and for disadvantaged families with neurodivergent children. An evaluation of these pilots will end in late 2026.
The Ombudsman for Children is independent in the exercise of his functions, reporting directly to the Oireachtas, so I cannot speak to his activities. However, Tusla, under the aegis of the Department, provide a range of key services to children and families experiencing poverty in Ireland.
As a part of day-to-day activity, the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) provides services and supports to children and their families to combat child poverty. These services are provided throughout the country. The functions of Tusla include supporting and promoting the development, welfare and protection of children, and supporting and encouraging the effective functioning of families. Tusla’s services and supports are open to all children and families who need them, including children and families experiencing poverty.
An example of these supports include Family Resource Centres, a cornerstone of local communities, providing trusted, inclusive support to families and children where and when they need it. Family Resource Centres respond to and seek to eradicate poverty in all its forms. They are committed to addressing the structural inequalities that cause poverty, through community development and national-level advocacy. Earlier this year, I announced the establishment of ten new Family Resource Centres across Ireland. This significant expansion builds on the 2025 announcement of five new Centres, and will bring the number of Family Resource Centres from 126 to 136. This reflects the commitment in the Programme for Government to expand the capacity and network of Family Resource Centres over the lifetime of the Government. Family Resource Centres are of the community and for the community and by the community, and represent our ongoing investment in children, families, and communities across Ireland. I intend to continue via the Budgetary process the expansion of the network of Family Resource Centres over the lifetime of this government. There are currently two Family Resource Centres in County Laois. More information on the supports these Centres provide can be found on www.familyresource.ie.
Home visiting services provide support and guidance to expecting parents and parents of babies and young children. The aim of the programme is to coordinate, provide direction and collect evidence and data to inform the future development of a sustainable national home visiting service. Up to €10 million is being allocated over the period 2024-2028 to expand home visiting services in Ireland, specifically to support the establishment of a new National Home Visiting Programme within Tusla. Priorities for home visiting in 2026 include increasing accessibility and integrating home visiting with other community supports, with a defined set of outcomes focused on child and family wellbeing.
480. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the way in which her Department is working with Tusla, the HSE, Cuan, and other relevant agencies to support coordinated access to community-based counselling and psychotherapy services for children, young people, and families, including those in rural or disadvantaged areas; whether engagement with an organisation (details supplied) forms part of this work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29255/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
481. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the expected impact of the recently announced €1 million in funding for nine digital and assistive technology projects under the HSE CREATE III initiative; the way in which these projects will enhance participation and supports for people with sensory, cognitive, physical and intellectual disabilities; her plans to further strengthen the national assistive technology ecosystem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29256/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive’s Cooperative Real Engagement for Assistive Technology Enhancement (CREATE) initiative provides funding ranging from €75,000–€200,000 to HSE and Section 38/39 organisations. Funded projects design, implement and scale best-practice assistive technology service delivery; and develop universally designed digital education and training hubs.
Building on previous iterations, CREATE III projects are required to align with the five core assistive technology domains - Personal Mobility, Vision, Hearing, Communication and Accessibility - ensuring cross-disability relevance.
The investment is expected to strengthen:
• Access to high-quality assistive technologies, including advanced prosthetics, digital communication supports, mobility devices and specialised hardware for people who are deafblind.
• Sustainable AT service pathways, through enhanced receiving, reviewing, repairing, reusing, refurbishing and recycling systems.
• National AT infrastructure, including collaborative networks such as the Community Hub for Assistive Technology (CHAT) and the expansion of the National Assistive Technology Library.
Overall, this funding builds directly on the success of CREATE I (€2m) and CREATE II (€750,000), which demonstrated improvements in assistive technology access, digital inclusion, workforce capacity and person-centred design across more than 1,200 service users and staff. Government recognises the importance of investing in assistive technology to support people with disabilities given the rising need as a result of ageing populations and a rise in noncommunicable diseases.
On 29 April 2026, the Department will be launching the national Assistive Technology Capacity Assessment (ATA-C) conducted by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, which will guide the future development and policy decisions regarding assistive technology in Ireland.
