Minister Foley and Minister of State Higgins hold annual Pre-Estimates Forum on Disability Services
- Foilsithe: 27 Bealtaine 2026
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 27 Bealtaine 2026
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley and Minister of State for Disability, Emer Higgins, this week hosted the Department’s annual Pre-Estimates Forum in Dublin’s Hilton Charlemont Hotel which focused on ‘Delivering value for people with disabilities’.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is building more person‑centred, coordinated disability supports and services that are aligned with the UNCRPD and this annual Forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders from the disability sector to come together and engage with the Department on funding priorities for Budget 2027.
The event included a wide range of stakeholders from across the sector, including representatives from Disabled Persons’ Organisations, service provider umbrella bodies, advocacy groups and statutory bodies such as the Health Service Executive.
The theme of this year’s event was ‘Delivering value for people with disabilities’.
Senior HSE staff delivered presentations on developing a more planned approach to disability services, and on the opportunities for disability services arising out of the restructuring of the HSE. Table discussions followed with attendees sharing their own views and priorities for Budget 2027.
There was also an engaging panel discussion on innovative practices and individualised supports for people with disabilities. Panellists shared their experiences of working on, or being supported by, a number of initiatives; the Bridges to Community initiative from the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, the Dara Possibilities Plus service, and Gheel Autism Services.
Speaking at the event today, Minister Foley said:
“Over the past number of years, Government has made record investment in disability services to make a step-change in how we support people with disabilities in our communities. The Pre-Estimate discussions at the Forum are absolutely invaluable in informing our approach to this investment. I am grateful to all of those who took the time to take part in this year’s event and can assure them that the views expressed will form a key part of our considerations for Budget 2027.”
Minister of State Higgins said:
“We have a responsibility to use every Euro as effectively as possible and make sure what we’re investing in is actually making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This annual Forum is an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together to focus on building disability services that are sustainable, responsive and capable of delivering the best outcomes for people into the future. And, importantly, how our decisions in the upcoming Budget cycle can bring us closer to that goal.”
Notes to editors:
Budget 2026 represented a funding increase of €628 million compared to 2025, or nearly 20%. That Budget followed significant year-on-year funding increases, with an overall increase of €1.85 billion, or 91% since 2020.
HSE Specialist Disability Services now has a record budget of €3.9 billion.
Speeches from Minister Foley and Minister Emer Higgins at the Pre-Estimates Forum on Disability Services are attached below.
