Norma Foley
Kerry · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Therefore, the means by which the motion proposes to address the challenges raised may not specifically align with the approach being taken, but I absolutely accept that the underlying goals are the same and I accept the Deputies' sincerity in seeking to achieve them.”
“I intend to bring forward specific proposals arising from this work towards the end of the year, depending on progress and the outcome of ongoing engagement with stakeholders.”
“Working with that office, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality is absolutely committed to seeking to expand and reform specialist disability services in order to maximise individuals’ independence and support them to live lives of their choosing in places of their choosing.”
“A number of new measures are in train to move towards planned provision of residential supports, including the provision of planned residential placements under a new initiative, as outlined in the HSE’s 2026 national service plan.”
“I absolutely accept they are fighting tirelessly to highlight the need for us to ensure their loved ones are cared for and provided with appropriate housing, as and when it is needed. For far too many families, placements are made at the last minute, causing distress to individuals and their families.”
“In line with commitments contained in the programme for Government and the national human rights strategy, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality is now developing a new vision and reform strategy for disability services.”
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“Proactive collaboration will also take place with all other Departments, including the Department of housing, the Department of Social Protection, the Department of education, the Department of Transport and others. The singular aim here is to ensure that across all aspects of life and society the needs of people with disabilities will be appropriately catered for and addressed. As Minister, I acknowledge the vital role played by all staff in the disability sector, including those employed by voluntary agencies. I welcome the agreement reached at the Workplace Relations Commission in 2023 that resulted in an 8% increase in pay for section 39 workers. Of course, I am very conscious that further work is needed here to improve pay and conditions for staff. I do believe agreement can be reached in this regard.”
“The Department and I look forward to working closely with this new unit, and with all Ministers right across Government, to deliver on commitments and priorities in a new national disability strategy which is currently in development. In terms of cross-departmental collaboration, for example, I am committed to working with the Department of further and higher education to secure a significant pipeline of appropriately-trained staff. In this regard, we will double the number of college places available to students who wish to study, for example, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, as well as those who wish to become dieticians, psychologists, social workers and other relevant disciplines.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Ceann Chomhairle as ucht an ama agus an deis seo a thabhairt dom. I am very pleased this afternoon to have the opportunity to speak on the programme for Government. I was also pleased to have been a part of the negotiating team for this programme for Government. In particular, I am very pleased to have an opportunity to outline the key priorities that will shape the work of the Department of children, disability and equality over the next number of years. The programme for Government is committed to prioritising improvements in disability services throughout the country. In the first instance, the programme commits to the formation of a new disability unit in the Department of an Taoiseach, which will form the basis of a whole-of-Government step-change in the approach to service improvement and delivery.”