Ireland’s Budget 2027 package will provide a record €7.5 billion for children, families, disabled people and vulnerable communities. Announced by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley and Minister of State Emer Higgins, the measures include lower childcare costs, expanded disability services and stronger child protection supports.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality’s overall allocation will rise to €7.597 billion in 2027. The announcement, published on gov.ie on 6 October 2026, places affordability, inclusion and access to essential services at the centre of the Government’s plans.
Budget 2027 childcare costs set to fall for many families
From September 2027, the National Childcare Scheme universal subsidy for children in early years, junior infants and senior infants will increase from €2.14 to €2.50 per hour. Approximately 107,000 children are expected to benefit from the higher payment.
The maximum weekly fee charged by Core Funding providers for a typical full-time childcare place will also fall from €280 to €250. For example, a family using 45 hours of childcare each week could see its monthly bill fall from a current maximum of €735 to no more than €550, representing an annual saving of more than €2,200.
The lower income threshold for accessing maximum National Childcare Scheme subsidies will increase from €34,000 to €38,500. Supports under the Access and Inclusion Model will also extend to eligible children under three, benefiting an estimated 1,000 additional young children with disabilities or additional needs.
Disability services receive major new investment
Disability funding will exceed €4 billion for the first time. The package includes:
- 212 new residential placements, including planned and urgent places.
- €15 million for approximately 14,700 additional respite sessions.
- 150 additional staff for Children’s Disability Network Teams supporting more than 46,000 children.
- 930 new frontline disability-service staff, bringing the workforce above 24,500.
- Funding to begin developing two Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Teams.
- Approximately 1,450 day-service opportunities for school leavers and additional home-support and personal-assistance hours.
The measures are intended to help disabled people live more independently, improve access to therapies and provide greater support for families and carers. Delivery will involve close coordination with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and disability-service providers.
Tusla and child protection measures strengthened
Tusla will receive more than €1.4 billion in 2027. Its core funding is increasing by €100 million, while the overall allocation rises by €63 million after a reduction linked to lower demand for support for unaccompanied minors seeking international protection.
The budget will fund 10 new Family Resource Centres, taking the national network to 146. Tusla’s multidisciplinary therapy teams will double from six to 12, increasing support for children in care.
Young people leaving state care will receive a one-year transitional aftercare allowance of €200 per week if they have not yet chosen a work, education or training pathway. The aftercare grant will rise from €300 to €500. Foster-care supports will also be extended for eligible students in full-time secondary education until their 19th birthday.
What Budget 2027 means for families and communities
The package also includes 33.5 new posts at Oberstown Detention Centre and continued investment in equality, participation and inclusion initiatives for children and young people, women and girls, Traveller and Roma communities and LGBTIQ+ people.
While the Department of Children, Disability and Equality leads these measures, their impact will depend on implementation across public services, including the HSE, Tusla and relevant Government departments. Families should check official guidance as eligibility rules, payment arrangements and implementation dates are confirmed.
Conclusion
Budget 2027 represents a significant expansion of childcare, disability and child protection funding in Ireland. The clearest takeaway is that the €7.5 billion package aims to reduce household costs while widening access to care, therapies, respite and support. For families, disabled people and young people leaving care, the practical value will depend on how quickly these commitments become available in communities.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
