The minister for children, disability and equality (Irish: An tAire Leanaí, Míchumais agus Comhionannais) is a senior minister in the government of Ireland and leads the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
The minister for children, disability and equality since January 2025 is Norma Foley, TD.
She is assisted by a minister of state:
Emer Higgins, TD – Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality with responsibility for disability.
Overview
The office was created in 1956 as the minister for the Gaeltacht. Its title and functions have changed several times, with the current title adopted in 2025. An office of minister of state for children existed from 2005 to 2011.
Responsibility for the Gaeltacht was transferred to the minister for arts, heritage and the Gaeltacht in 2011 and to the minister for rural and community development and the Gaeltacht in 2025.
Responsibility for Integration was transferred to the minister for justice, home affairs and migration in 2025.