Department of Children, Disability and Equality

Today we honour the strengths, creativity, and individuality of people with Down Syndrome. #WDSD2026

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day with energy and purpose! ‘Together Against Loneliness’ reminds us to build vibrant, inclusive communities where everyone belongs, feels valued, and shines.

You can submit your views up until 10 April 2026 by completing the survey, either online or by post. Read the full press release: gov.ie/en/department-…

The proposed amendments respond to requests by people whose births were illegally registered. They aim to broaden access to an affected person’s information where the affected person so wishes and to improve the terminology used in the legislation.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD has launched a public consultation about proposed changes to assist people affected by illegal birth registration legislation.

Minister Norma Foley today welcomed the Ireland-UK Youth Advisory Group’s presentation of recommendations at the Leaders’ Summit in Cork, highlighting the vital role of young people in shaping the future of Ireland–UK cooperation. Full press release; gov.ie/en/department-…

Read the full press release: gov.ie/en/department-…

The Fund will cover 90% of degree course fees for early years educators who wish to advance their qualifications. Participants may study part time over four years while continuing their professional roles within the ELC sector.

The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund aims to enhance the quality of early learning and care (ELC) services, while supporting the professional development of early years educators, developing career pathways, and supporting recruitment and retention of staff in the sector.

The independent report sets out some of the notable strengths of the Decision Support Service, alongside some of the key challenges facing the Service. Read our press release: gov.ie/en/department-…

The Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins, has today welcomed the publication of an independent report commissioned by the Mental Health Commission on the effectiveness of the role of the Director of the Decision Support Service.

Read our press release: gov.ie/en/department-…

The Minister's attendance allows Ireland to engage with global partners; participating in discussions on the empowerment of older women, preventing cyber violence against women and girls, and the role of education in advancing access to justice for women and girls.

Minister of State with responsibility for Disability Emer Higgins is attending the 70th Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley has announced that the first-ever dedicated National Director for Disability will be recruited in the HSE, as well as 6 new Regional Disability Leads in the health regions. See here for more info: gov.ie/en/department-…

It will enable social care staff to earn while they learn the essential skills required to work in Tusla's Residential and Special Care Centres. Read our press release: gov.ie/en/department-…

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality @NormaFoleyTD1 today welcomed the launch of the new @tusla Children's Residential Services Training College. This landmark initiative is designed to increase the number of workers that can be recruited for Special Care centres.

Ministers Norma Foley and Emer Higgins have announced €43m in ring‑fenced capital funding for Community‑Based Specialist Disability Services in 2026 — €16m more than last year. Part of the NDP’s €278m allocation to 2030. Press release: gov.ie/en/department-…

The Guardian ad litem National Service is recruiting for a Senior Solicitor. The closing date for this role is the 24 February 2026 publicjobs.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/…

The Guardian ad litem National Service is recruiting for a Legal Executive. The closing date for this role is the 24 February 2026 publicjobs.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/…