Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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827. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current status of the Programme for Government commitment to reform the Disability Act 2005 in consultation with stakeholders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39517/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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There is a recognised need to review and update existing disability legislation, particularly following Ireland’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In this context, and in line with the Programme for Government commitment, a review of the Disability Act 2005 is a consideration as part of the development and finalisation of the forthcoming National Disability Strategy.

In the meantime, at the direction of Government, officials in my Department are currently examining potential targeted legislative changes to Part Two of the Disability Act, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, to support the effectiveness and efficiency of the Assessment of Need (AON) process. This is part of the broader commitment within the Programme for Government to address delays within the process and reduce waiting lists for Assessments of Need.

My Department has been working with HSE senior management and experienced clinicians to identify those changes, with the intention of bringing forward legislation in the latter half of this year. I would emphasise this process is to support effectiveness and efficiency within the AON process. It will not affect the statutory right of any individual to access an Assessment of Need.