Written answers
Monday, 8 September 2025
Department of Children, Disability and Equality
Disability Services
Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context
1911. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the funding pressure point that a disability organisation (details supplied) is facing in September 2025; the measures being taken to address this deficit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45167/25]
Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
My Department provides funding to the HSE to deliver specialist disability services either directly or via Section 38 and Section 39 organisations. While the Department sets the strategy, policy direction and the overall allocation for the disability sector, funding allocations to individual service providers is an operational matter for the HSE as the funding authority.
Regarding the organisation in question, the HSE has advised my office that there is ongoing engagement with them regarding this issue and I understand that a meeting has taken place between senior management within the HSE and organisational representatives. Furthermore, the two parties are still in correspondence on the issue and the HSE is due to revert this week.
In total, €3.2 billion is allocated for HSE Disability Services in 2025, which represents an 11.6% increase in funding from last year. Overall, the Disability Services Budget has increased by €1.2 billion since 2020.
n Budget 2025, we recognised the challenges that prevail in the disability sector. These challenges include the increased cost of service provision, pay cost pressures and service provider sustainability. In recognition of this, of the additional €333 million invested through Budget 2025, €290 million was allocated to voluntary disability services.
As the Deputy will be aware, the level of funding available to each Government department is being considered as part of the national Estimates and budgetary process for 2026, which is currently underway. Pending completion of this process, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on allocations for 2026.
No comments