Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
85. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Taoiseach if he will establish a working group tasked with reviewing mental health services for people with intellectual disabilities within his Department’s Disability Unit. [50449/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disability Unit has been established to bring a renewed focus, urgency and weight to disability issues across Government. The Unit’s first Programme Plan, published in September 2025, outlines the Unit’s initial priorities including how it will complement and contribute to the delivery of the Government’s new national disability strategy over the following two years, as well as supporting the Cabinet Committee on Disability. It is not intended that the Unit cuts across or duplicates work of Ministers or Departments but instead supports them in their efforts.
Under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, the Government’s aim is to design and deliver services and supports that are inclusive and accessible to disabled people of all ages, including those with intellectual disabilities. Specific actions on mental health, led by the Department of Health, and aligned with recommendations set out in Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, are included in the First Programme Plan of Action 2025-2026 for the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030.
In addition to the work of the Cabinet Committee on Disability, which oversees implementation of Programme for Government commitments in the area of disability, the Cabinet Committee on Health oversees implementation of Programme for Government commitments in relation to health and receives detailed reports on identified policy areas and reforms, including in the area of mental health and the implementation of the national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone.
Recent developments include the signing into law, on 29 April, of the Mental Health Act 2026, which provides for, amongst other measures, an enhanced regulatory framework by the Mental Health Commission of community services including CAMHS.
