Minister Foley welcomes publication of Department of Children, Disability and Equality Statement of Strategy 2025-2028

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality has published its new Statement of Strategy which sets out the vision, values and goals for the department over the next three years.

The Strategy outlines the department’s vision of a fair and inclusive Ireland where people’s rights are realised and where everyone is supported to reach their potential.

Key goals include providing and funding accessible and quality services to support children, disabled people and those experiencing inequalities.

Welcoming the publication of the new Statement of Strategy, Minister Foley said:

“My priority is delivering and securing a positive impact for those whom we serve – children, disabled people and those who experience inequality and disadvantage in our country.

"The department’s new Strategy reflects our commitment to deliver on all areas within our remit, specifically the recently launched National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, and beginning the development of a new vision and strategy for specialist disability supports and services for 2030.

"My focus is also on supporting and resourcing Tusla in their work for the wellbeing and protection of children. There is a particular focus on developing a national plan for the care system as well as supporting Tusla’s plan to provide more special care beds and developing proposals with Tusla on how special care provision can be improved.

"I am equally committed to supporting high quality, accessible and affordable early learning and childcare opportunities for all and addressing equality and inclusion as whole of government issues.”

In addition, Secretary General Kevin McCarthy added:

“I am confident that our steadfast commitment to achieving positive outcomes for those we serve will support us in achieving real improvements for children, disabled people and all those experiencing inequalities over the lifetime of this Strategy.”

The Statement of Strategy was developed with input from staff, other government departments and external stakeholders as part of a wide consultation process. It takes account of various commitments in the Programme for Government for which the department is responsible.

Implementation of the Statement of Strategy will be supported by the bodies under the aegis of the department including Tusla, the National Disability Authority, the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the Ombudsman for Children, the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam and the Oberstown Children Detention Campus.

The Statement of Strategy 2025–2028 is available on the department’s website.