Minister for Disability Emer Higgins has conceded that the government should be doing more on disability issues.
The Dublin-Mid West TD was speaking following the publication of the first bi-annual progress reports on the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030.
The reports outline progress across government in delivering commitments to improve services, supports, and opportunities for disabled people throughout Ireland.
Welcoming the report, Minister Higgins said, “the publication of these reports marks an important milestone in delivering the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People and ensuring that disabled people’s rights, inclusion, and participation remain at the heart of government policy”
She said, “I regularly hear from disabled people, family carers, and parents of children with additional needs across Dublin Mid West about the challenges they face in accessing services and supports.”
Minister Higgins explained, “his strategy is focused on delivering practical improvements that help people live independently, participate fully in their communities and reach their full potential.”
The reports highlight a number of significant developments, including €3.9 billion allocated to Specialist Disability Services in Budget 2026, increased investment in home support and personal assistance services, the establishment of a Disability Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach and ongoing work to strengthen disability services and supports across the government.
Additional measures highlighted in the reports include funding for new therapy and healthcare training places, the development of a dedicated Disability Workforce Strategy and ongoing work to improve access to disability services and supports for individuals and families.
However, Minister Higgins said that the government still can, and should be doing more.
“While there is still more to do, these reports show that real progress is being made across government.”
“For disabled people and their families, what matters is being able to access the services and supports they need when they need them.”
She said that continued investment in disability services, support for the workforce delivering those services and ensuring disabled people have a meaningful voice in decision-making are all “essential” parts of the government’s plans.