Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)

I have figures for the Senator's question relating to the data. This is derived from the children's disability network teams workforce survey that was carried out on 9 April 2025. The HSE is finalising the report but the preliminary data has been shared with my Department. The survey assessed staffing levels across various disciplines and grades, offering a comprehensive snapshot across the 93 CDNTs. The data report illustrates the progress made in the 18 months since the October 2023, noting that there has been a nationwide increase of 26% in staffing in the CDNTs. It is moving in the right direction. Of those onboarded, the largest growth was in the health and social care professionals. That accounted for 296.5 of the 1,440 whole-time equivalents. As of 9 April, the national vacancy rate within CDNTs stands at 18%. That reflects a decrease from the 29% reported in October 2023. The vacancy rate for Cork, from the workforce profile, is 10%.

The Senator asked about the new unit in the Department of the Taoiseach. The Cabinet committee has been meeting very regularly. We have had many items on our agenda but assessment of need is right up there.

We have had many items on our agenda, but the assessment of need is right up there and so a lot of work is happening on that. The new unit in the Department of the Taoiseach supports the work of that Cabinet committee. The Cabinet committee on disability oversees the implementation of the programme for Government commitments in the area of disability, with specific focus on children's disability services as well as disability services more generally, including the forthcoming national disability strategy. When that is published the real work, the action plan, will happen. A ministerial meeting and two Cabinet committee meetings have been held to date. In addition, the unit is supporting the Department in driving cross-government, interagency and interdisciplinary work and collaboration, ensuring there is accountability. That is what that unit will do. The Taoiseach is in the process of setting up that unit. I am sure he can give the committee an update on that, but work is under way.