Micheál Martin promises change in how State supports people with disabilities

In his first speech, the newly-appointed Taoiseach said existing approaches on disability 'will not achieve the breakthroughs we need and it is time to move beyond them'

Micheál Martin arrives at Government Buildings to call new cabinet members. Picture: Sam Boal

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has pledged a step change in how Ireland deals with disabilities, as he unveiled his new Cabinet this evening.

The new ministerial line-up was announced in Leinster House, with a significant reshuffling that saw one former minister dropped and a number of junior ministers promoted.

Mr Martin will be the only Cabinet minister from Cork, in contrast to the three senior ministers from the Rebel County appointed in 2020.

Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue was dropped from Cabinet, losing out to Kildare North TD James Lawless, who was given the Higher Education brief.

The new Taoiseach also confirmed that additional junior ministers would be appointed in the “coming days”, bringing the total to 23.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin receives a standing ovation after his election. Picture: Maxwells

Mr Martin said that expanding the number of junior ministers would require new legislation, which would be “introduced without delay”.

In his first speech after being appointed Taoiseach, Mr Martin pledged that the new Government would work to introduce a step change to the “level and scale of support for people with disabilities and their families”.

“Existing approaches will not achieve the breakthroughs we need and it is time to move beyond them,” Mr Martin said.

There were a number of changes made to individual departments, including the restructuring of the Department of Public Expenditure, with the introduction of a new infrastructure division. This will be responsible for removing “unreasonable roadblocks to essential projects”.

Mr Martin said there was also a need for a significant reform to the Department of Justice, which would see responsibility for migration returned to it.

“Government activity on migration is too dispersed and requires more direct leadership," he said.

President Michael D Higgins appoints Micheál Martin as Taoiseach of the 34th Dáil. Picture: Evan Treacy/RollingNews.ie

There is also a need for increased levels of community policing, and tackling new forms of behaviour that are “causing great damage”.

On housing, Mr Martin said the coalition understands the “enormous pressures and difficult circumstances” of those who cannot find a home, either to buy or rent.

“Accelerating the number of homes available and delivering direct support to people is absolutely critical to our work,” he said, adding that a new co-ordination and implementation group would be formed in the Taoiseach’s department.

A portion of his speech was used to address foreign affairs and trade, with Mr Martin highlighting the “growing turbulence” in the world and “threats” to institutions that are vital to Ireland.

He said efforts would be made to “accelerate” the opening of Ireland to new markets and to give further opportunities for Irish companies to open operations abroad.

On the situation in Gaza, he said anyone “who believes in the cause of peace and basic values” should hope that the ceasefire lasts.

Mr Martin said the State would now move towards a “massive programme of humanitarian aid and reconstruction” to rebuild Gaza.

Earlier in the day, after being nominated as Taoiseach, Mr Martin thanked his friends and family, paying tribute to his late father Paddy, whose anniversary was on Wednesday.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin with party colleagues and his wife Mary at Leinster House. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins

"I also want to thank the many friends and colleagues who have helped me over the years and who, with typical Cork modesty, advocate on a regular basis for the wellbeing of my home city and county,” Mr Martin said.

"As they have grown, my children Micheál Aodh, Aoibhe, and Cillian have moved from being observers to being pillars for me. They are unflinching in their advice and constant in their support.

I have been blessed to have a partner in Mary who has done so much more than just keep me rooted. No position I have held, and nothing I have achieved would have been possible without her.

The Taoiseach said that it is clear there can be a “degree of cynicism towards politics".

"Too often we dismiss the motivation of others, especially those we disagree with," he said.

He said he rejected this notion and believes that politics remains a “force for positive change”.