Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2513. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the steps her Department is taking to move from an emergency-based approach to a planned, rights-based model of disability support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44192/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for this question. Government is committed to ensuring that disabled people are provided with all of the necessary supports to live an autonomous and meaningful life, on an equal basis to all others.

The Disability Action Plan 2024-2026, published in December 2023, sets out targets for the development of necessary capacity in specialist disability services in addition to driving reforms in how those services are planned and delivered. The Action Plan fulfils a Government commitment to implement the recommendations of the Disability Capacity Review, which set out an analysis of the extra capacity that is required in disability services in order to provide for demographic change as well as existing unmet need. It is intended to address these capacity deficits on a phased basis, and the Action Plan represents the first phase of this process. Increased levels of residential service, respite, personal assistance and home support, amongst others, are planned.

It is intended that the Action Plan is a living document, which may be periodically reviewed and updated in the light of progress or challenges that need to be addressed.

Within my Department work is also ongoing on the finalisation of the next National Disability Strategy which is now at an advanced stage and publication is expected shortly. The Strategy adopts a whole-of-government approach to advancing the rights of people with disabilities to access services and supports in line with our obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).