James Geoghegan
Question:161. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the work of the new disability unit within his Department. [18211/25]
View answerTuesday, 29 April 2025
Questions (161, 182, 183)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:182. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Taoiseach when the disability unit that was to be established in the Department of An Taoiseach will be put into operation. [21139/25]
View answer
Erin McGreehan
Question:183. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Taoiseach when the disability unit within his Department will be established. [21173/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 161, 182 and 183 together.
A disability unit is being established in Department of the Taoiseach. The unit is supporting the work of the Cabinet Committee on Disability. It is also supporting the work of the Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality and other Ministers in driving cross-government, inter-agency and inter-disciplinary working and collaboration to improve the lives of people with disabilities and enable them to achieve their potential.
A work programme for the unit is currently being finalised which will inform the resources required for the unit. In the interim, the unit is being staffed by the Social Policy Division. A Ministerial meeting and two Cabinet Committees have been held to date, in addition to broader cross Government engagement on finalisation of the next National Disability Strategy.
It is important to ensure that the work of the unit does not duplicate others work, rather it should further drive innovation and give momentum to policy implementation. The Unit respects the prerogative and responsibilities of individual Ministers. It is not intended to displace Ministerial or Departmental accountability and oversight for delivery. Ministers and Departments continue to hold primary responsibility for delivery of all Programme for Government commitments, for Oireachtas accountability and sectoral engagement.