Disability (Amendment) Bill 2026

Public bill · Government · Presented

The Disability (Amendment) Bill 2026 would change how the HSE handles assessments of need for people with disabilities, aiming to make the process clearer and more efficient and help reduce delays. It would clarify that assessments first decide whether a person has a disability and then identify their health and education needs, allow applications to be withdrawn, closed or reinstated within 12 months, and enable new official guidance for assessors. It would focus more on the restrictions and support a person needs, rather than requiring detailed diagnostic assessments where these are unnecessary, while preserving existing statutory rights.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to clarify certain matters relating to assessments of need under Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005; to enable the withdrawal, closure and reinstatement (where applicable) of applications under section 9, and requests made under section 9(4), of that Act; to make provision in respect of guidelines by the Health Service Executive in relation to an assessment of need and related matters; for those and other purposes to amend the Disability Act 2005; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 24 September 2026