Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the establishment of a new National Director for Disability within the HSE, alongside six Regional Disability Leads, describing it as a significant step forward in delivering the step change in disability services that families deserve.

The new positions, which will now move to recruitment, will strengthen leadership, governance and accountability across disability services nationwide.

Minister Canney said: “Families right across the country know that while progress has been made in disability services, there is work to be done. What this announcement does is put clear, senior leadership in place to drive reform and make sure funding turns into real services on the ground.

“Since 2023, we have seen major investment in disability services – with the budget increasing from €2.6 billion to €3.9 billion. That investment has delivered more home support hours, more day services, additional residential places and a significant reduction in waiting lists for Children’s Disability Network Teams.”

The Programme for Government commits to a “step change in disability services,” and the creation of these posts is aimed at ensuring that increased funding – including a 20% increase in Budget 2026 – translates into improved services, better planning and more consistent delivery across all regions.

The new National Director for Disability will operate at senior HSE leadership level and will oversee both the expansion and reform of disability services, while also ensuring stronger integration with wider community health services.

At regional level, six new Disability Leads will work within the HSE’s regional health structures to coordinate delivery, strengthen planning, improve data systems and engage directly with service providers and disability stakeholders.

Minister Canney added: “What people want are timely supports, person-centred services and clarity about what is available. These new leadership roles are about moving from reactive crisis management to proactive planning, particularly when it comes to residential places, respite services and children’s disability supports.

“It is also about ensuring that disability services are not operating in isolation, but are fully integrated with health services locally and nationally.”