419. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 41437/26, without response from the HSE, if she will provide an update on the request made to ensure the HSE and primary care networks fully transition from an outdated medical model of disability to a human rights-based social model as mandated by Ireland's ratification of the UNCRPD. [75085/26]

The Government is committed to implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and to advancing a human rights-based approach to disability across all public services. The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 provides the overarching framework for this work and commits all relevant Departments and agencies to embedding the principles of equality, participation, inclusion and respect for the rights of disabled people.

The First Programme Plan of Action 2025-2026 clearly sets out how the priority actions under each commitment will be delivered, identifying lead Departments and agencies, delivery timelines and the indicators against which progress will be measured. It is the first of three two-year Programme Plans of Action that will guide implementation of the Strategy and support the effective delivery of its commitments.

The Department of Health is working closely with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Health Service Executive to support the implementation of the Strategy. Through the governance structures established under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People, Departments and agencies are accountable for delivering actions that improve access, inclusion, autonomy and participation for disabled people.

To ensure the commitments outlined in the Strategy and Programme Plans of Action are met, robust delivery and monitoring structures have been co-designed with stakeholders, providing for effective oversight and accountability throughout the lifetime of the Strategy. These structures, which include a Disabled Persons’ Organisation (DPO) Group, Disability Assembly and Pillar Groupings, have been established and continue to develop, ensuring that the voice of disabled people guides the implementation of the Strategy.

Health and social care reforms, including improvements in disability services, workforce training, service accessibility and engagement with Disabled Persons' Organisations, will continue to be advanced through the implementation of the Strategy and associated departmental action plans.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that disabled people are supported to enjoy their rights on an equal basis with others and that public services, including health and social care services, operate consistently with the principles and obligations contained in the UNCRPD.

The publication of bi-annual reports outlining progress on commitments and actions as set out in the Programme Plans of Action is a key commitment in the Strategy. The first set of bi-annual reports were reviewed by the Delivery and Monitoring Committee, chaired by the Taoiseach, on 16 July and are published on the gov.ie website.