Parkinson’s Ireland Responds to Budget 2027: Some Progress, But Major Gaps Remain
Parkinson’s Ireland welcomes several measures announced in Budget 2027, including the introduction of a once-off Cost of Disability payment and funding to develop two new Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Teams (CNRTs). However, significant gaps remain in addressing the ongoing financial and healthcare challenges faced by people living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions.
Cost of Disability Recognition Welcome
Disabled people in Ireland face additional living costs estimated at between €11,046 and €15,617 per year. Against that backdrop, Parkinson’s Ireland welcomes the Government’s decision to provide a €500 Cost of Disability payment to almost 240,000 people in receipt of long-term disability payments.
This measure represents an important acknowledgement that disability brings unavoidable extra costs and that additional supports are needed. The allocation of €119 million is also intended to support the development of a permanent Cost of Disability payment from 2028.
However, the budget stops short of delivering the long-term reforms sought by disabled people and disability organisations. The Disability Federation of Ireland had called for a recurring, universal, non-taxable Cost of Disability payment of €55 per week as an interim measure pending the development of a permanent scheme. No such commitment was included.
Likewise, the long-standing call to reform means testing so that only a disabled person’s own income or means is assessed, rather than those of a spouse, partner, or family member, has again not been addressed.
While the once-off payment is welcome, the reality remains that a single €500 payment does not come close to meeting the substantial additional costs many disabled people face every year.
Positive Measures for Carers and Welfare Recipients
The budget also contains a number of positive measures that will benefit many people affected by Parkinson’s and their families, including:
- A €10 increase in weekly social welfare rates.
- A further increase in the Carer’s Allowance income disregard of €150 per week for a single person and €300 per week for a couple.
- An increase of €100 in the Home Carer Tax Credit, bringing it to €2,050.
These measures will provide some assistance to households managing the financial impact of disability and caring responsibilities.
New Neuro-Rehabilitation Teams Are Welcome
Parkinson’s Ireland particularly welcomes the announcement of funding to commence the development of two new Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Teams, comprising 19 new posts.
One team is planned for the HSE Dublin North-East Health Region, covering North Dublin, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and most of Cavan. The second team will be established in the HSE South-East Health Region, serving Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary.
Access to multidisciplinary neuro-rehabilitation services is vital for people living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions. These services can significantly improve quality of life, independence and long-term health outcomes. Parkinson’s Ireland therefore welcomes this investment and looks forward to further details regarding the implementation of these teams.
Existing Commitments Must Also Be Delivered
While the announcement of two additional teams is positive, Budget 2027 must not become an excuse for delaying the full delivery of commitments already made.
In response to a Parliamentary Question in September 2026, the HSE confirmed that several existing and planned Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Teams are still progressing through recruitment, including teams in the Midlands, North East, Donegal and the Mid West. The HSE also acknowledged that currently operational teams are “not funded to cover all geographic areas” and “are not staffed to the recommended levels”. It further stated that teams currently live are at varying stages of onboarding staff and that access and waiting times vary significantly as a result.
The HSE’s response makes it clear that significant work remains to fully resource and expand the Community Neuro-Rehabilitation network. The organisation noted that funding is still required to uplift existing teams in areas such as Donegal and the Mid West and that recruitment remains ongoing in a number of regions.
Parkinson’s Ireland therefore urges Government to pursue a dual approach:
- deliver the two newly announced CNRTs without delay, and
- fully fund, staff and expand the CNRTs already committed to under Budget 2025 and the Neuro-Rehabilitation Implementation Framework.
People living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions should not be forced to choose between waiting for the completion of existing teams or the establishment of new ones. Both objectives must be achieved simultaneously if Ireland is to provide equitable access to rehabilitation services nationwide.
Parkinson’s Remains Absent from the Budget
Despite the welcome neuro-rehabilitation announcements, Budget 2027 contained no specific commitments relating to:
- Parkinson’s disease services.
- Parkinson’s Nurse Specialists.
- Consultant Neurologist staffing.
- Additional specialist supports for people living with Parkinson’s.
These issues remain pressing concerns for the Parkinson’s community and continue to impact access to timely diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care.
The HSE has submitted Parkinson’s Ireland’s business case for the continuation of its dedicated counselling service as part of the estimates process. The organisation now awaits the outcome following the Letter of Determination and publication of the HSE Service Plan.
Looking Ahead
Budget 2027 contains welcome steps forward. The introduction of a €500 Cost of Disability payment represents important recognition of the additional costs faced by disabled people, while the commitment to two new Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Teams is a positive development for neurological services.
However, recognition must now be matched by delivery. The Government must ensure that existing CNRT commitments are fully funded and staffed, address the continuing shortfall in specialist Parkinson’s services, and develop lasting solutions to the cost of disability that reflect the real financial burden experienced by disabled people every day.
Parkinson’s Ireland looks forward to engaging with Ministers, Government departments and the HSE in the months ahead to ensure that people living with Parkinson’s receive the specialist care, rehabilitation and supports they need and deserve.