Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

828. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current status of the Programme for Government commitment to undertake a cross-departmental examination of where disability spending delivers best results, to inform future funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39518/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ensuring that disability spending delivers best results will involve many departments and public bodies working collaboratively. There are many dimensions involved in this work, going well beyond the remit of any one department or Minister.

To develop and coordinate the necessary whole of government work on disability issues, my Department is leading on the development of the next National Disability Strategy, which will be a framework for ambitious joined up action on disability policy. It is Ireland's policy to deliver disability services on a mainstream-first basis wherever possible, rather than via separate or segregated provision. As such, it is incumbent upon every Minister to execute their everyday functions with due regard to their impact upon disabled people and for the advancement of the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In this context, and in line with the relevant Programme for Government commitment, cross-departmental expenditure as it relates to disability is an important issue in the ongoing development of the next National Disability Strategy, with due consideration being given to opportunities to enhance collaborative approaches and optimise efficiency and effectiveness across government.