Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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2032. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for details of any research undertaken into the workforce in the disability sector, particular with respect to determining pay offers that will bring recruitment and retention across the sector in line with targets; the cost to the exchequer of any pay uplifts; the savings to the exchequer if pay uplifts reduce reliance on agency and overtime; and to give an overview of any unpublished findings from this research. [47497/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Increasing the disability workforce is key to delivering on the step change in disability services commitment contained in the Programme for Government. The recruitment and retention of staff funded by the HSE is a priority for my Department.

Whilst acknowledging the recruitment challenges across the health and social care sector, it is important to recognise that the disabilities workforce is growing year on year. From December 2019 to July 2025, the disabilities workforce in HSE and Section 38 providers grew by over 20%. The HSE Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) workforce survey data for April 2025 (the most recent data available) demonstrates the progress that has been made over the past 18 months, with a nationwide increase of 26% in CDNT staffing levels since October 2023. Most significantly, the CDNT vacancy rate has reduced from 29% in 2023 to 18% in 2025 - a reduction of 11% nationally. Staff census reports are published regularly by the HSE.

The HSE is planning a qualitative study in 2026 which will engage with CDNT staff to examine and identify preferred retention initiatives to inform the development of retention proposals for the sector.

A significant element of our disability services are delivered in partnership with the community and voluntary health and social care sector, and I recognise the essential work carried out by the dedicated staff in these organisations. Our objective is to ensure services are available for those who rely on them and to support workers who are committed to providing high quality services.

The agreement reached at the Workplace Relations Commission in March this year, between Government Departments and unions, includes funding for a 9.25% pay increase for workers in grant funded agencies. The agreement recognises that staff in these organisations should be fairly paid for the vital work they do. In a landmark step by this Government, the proposed agreement also includes an automatic link to future public sector pay agreements for these workers, to match all future pay increases. The parity of treatment provided for in this Agreement is an important step forward for workers.

This increase will benefit around 27,000 Section 39 disability workers. In funding terms, the deal amounts to an estimated increase of €70m for community and voluntary organisations delivering specialist disability services and supports.

As part of the agreement, a comprehensive data gathering exercise will be undertaken to further focus on pay issues that affect the delivery of services and the long-term viability of organisations. The parties agreed that this exercise is crucial in order to create a shared understanding of the sector, particularly in regard to low pay. The Department is engaging with the HSE and other stakeholders to progress this exercise.

Continuing progress in the recruitment and retention of staff will ultimately result in a reduction in need for agency staff and staff working overtime thus further enhancing the stability of services in the disability sector.