Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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1829. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the amount of funding for disability capital projects drawn down in 2023 and 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19187/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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In 2023, a total of €15.6 million was spent by the HSE on capital projects to support specialist disability services. This increased to €23 million in 2024, reflecting the strong delivery performance across the sector and ongoing demand for capital investment to support safe, accessible, and person-centred disability services.

In Budget 2025, €27m has been allocated for capital projects in disabilities services. This represents a €4m increase on 2024. Under the transfer of functions agreement and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), this is due to grow to €29.2m in 2026.

The HSE Capital Plan for 2025, published on 9th April, indicates how the €27m budget will be allocated, including the provision of accommodation for disability network teams, the development of day services facilities nationwide and the fitting out of adult and children’s residential and respite houses. Funding will also support the transition of individuals from institutional settings to community-based services in line with the ‘Time to Move on from Congregated settings’ policy. In addition, funding is allocated for minor capital works to ensure the existing estate is maintained and regulatory risk is addressed.

The Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026 sets ambitious three-year targets for service delivery, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to expanding disability service delivery. It is important that the State can provide the necessary physical infrastructure to support that service expansion. I will be engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, in relation to the NDP review to set out the infrastructure needs for the disability sector.