Budget 2026 delivers an unprecedented package of over €7 billion to support children, disabled people, and vulnerable groups in Ireland, marking a 15% increase on the previous year. The Department of Children, Disability, and Equality will receive funding to strengthen key services, improve accessibility, and reduce inequality.
A total of €3.8 billion has been allocated for disability services, a 20% increase compared with Budget 2025, enabling the Government to deliver residential, day, respite, and home support services. Funding will allow over 9,000 disabled people to live as independently as possible and provide an additional 10,000 respite days and 15,000 day sessions. Community neurorehabilitation teams will also be expanded, and day services will accommodate more than 22,000 disabled people, including 50 older adults for the first time. Personal Assistance and Home Support hours will increase to cover 10,000 people, while over 40,000 staff across HSE and community organizations will benefit from secured pay increases. Children’s Disability Network Teams will expand therapy and specialized supports for around 45,000 children, with 150 new staff recruited and funding for up to 6,500 clinical assessments through the Assessment of Need Targeted Waitlist Initiative.
Early Learning and Childcare will receive €1.48 billion to reduce costs for families, improve service quality, and support staff. The National Childcare Scheme will expand to benefit an additional 35,000 children, while fees for most providers will remain at 2021 levels. A new maximum fee cap will reduce costs for families paying the highest fees, and funding will support employment regulation orders to raise minimum pay for educators by 10%. This investment is part of the broader Action Plan on Early Learning and Childcare, aimed at sustaining high-quality services and affordable access.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, will receive €1.371 billion to continue safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children and families, a 14% increase from 2025. The allocation will fund safe family placements, expand residential care to over 800 children, and provide €6 million for social work and social care apprenticeships, raising staff numbers to over 3,200. Budget 2026 will also ensure all 26 special care beds are available with sufficient staff and therapeutic support. Funding is included to reform the Guardian ad litem national service, appointing over 65 new guardians to represent children’s interests in care proceedings.
Additional funding will support equality programs for women, girls, Travellers, Roma, and LGBTIQ+ people, as well as child and youth participation initiatives during Ireland’s EU Presidency. Resources will ensure children of all ages have access to play, recreation, and the opportunity to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
Minister Foley emphasized that Budget 2026 strengthens the delivery of disability, child protection, and early learning services, ensuring meaningful improvements in the lives of those who rely on these supports. With over €7 billion allocated, the government aims to provide equitable services, enhance inclusion, and deliver on its commitments to children, disabled people, and vulnerable groups.
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