From:Department of the Taoiseach

The Taoiseach yesterday chaired the second meeting of the Delivery and Monitoring Committee for the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030.

The Committee, which met in Government Buildings, reviewed progress on the of implementation of the Strategy and held a discussion on the Cost of Disability.

The meeting was attended by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, the Minister of State for Disability, Emer Higgins, the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, and the Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Seán Canney, alongside representatives of Disabled Persons' Organisations, disability service providers and civil society organisations, and the National Disability Authority.

At the meeting, the Committee considered the first progress update on implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People. Developments, to date, in the implementation of the Strategy's five pillars includes increased investment in disability services and supports, enhancements to disability-related social protection supports, and the establishment of new structures to support collaboration and engagement between Government and disabled people.

The Committee heard perspectives from Disabled Persons' Organisation Groups, civil society organisations and service providers on progress to date and priorities for the period ahead.

The Committee also held a discussion on the Cost of Disability, a key thematic issue under the Strategy. Members considered a report from the recent Cost of Disability Summit, presented by Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary, and heard perspectives from Disabled Persons' Organisations on the additional costs faced by disabled people and their families.

“The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People is part of this Government’s commitment to make a step change in how we address disability issues in Ireland.

“We considered the first progress update on implementation of the Strategy. While there are many important and complex issues to tackle over the coming years, I am encouraged by the momentum that has been built during these first six months.

“Progress is being made across all five pillars, and we must continue to build on these early successes in a sustainable way, working closely with, and listening to, disabled people.

“The Committee also discussed the Cost of Disability. Improving access to services is an absolute priority, and ensuring that these services work for disabled people is central to our approach.

“Alongside this, we will need targeted supports for those who need them most.

“The Cost of Disability will not be solved through one Budget or one measure alone. The Government is committed to addressing this issue through a phased and sustainable approach over the coming years."

Minister of State Sean Canney said:

“The Government is firmly committed to making a step change in how disability issues are addressed in Ireland, working with disabled people. While some progress is being made, there is much work to be done delivering for disabled people and their families.

“I welcomed the opportunity to hear from disabled people their views on the actions being taken by Government. It is important that their voice is fully heard as we deliver an ambitious programme of work over the next five years on the full range of issues that affect a disabled person in their daily life, ensuring equal voices, equal actions, and equal futures.”

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley said:

“This Government has promised a step-change in the delivery of disability services in Ireland. The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, with its built-in enforcement mechanisms, is the blueprint for how we will get there. While the Department of Children, Disability and Equality has overall responsibility for coordinating on the delivery of the Strategy, it demands a genuine and significant whole-of-government effort. We are determined to continue to work together across government, and with disabled people and their advocacy organisations, to deliver on the commitments in this Strategy, driving real and positive change over the next five years."

Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary said:

“I was delighted to present a Briefing Paper on the Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network Summit to the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People's Delivery and Monitoring Committee. The paper brings together research, international experience and the voices of disabled people and their advocates. The views were gathered from the over 1,100 public consultation submissions and the Cost of Disability Summit which I hosted in May and which was attended by 300 people online and in-person.

“This meeting is an important milestone as we continue to discuss how we can progress the Programme for Government commitment to introduce a Permanent Annual Cost of Disability Payment and also ensure that issues across other areas of Government are addressed in a co-ordinated way. The views of disabled people and their advocates as reinforced at this meeting are central to this work."

Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins said:

“Today’s publication of the first bi-annual reports marks an important milestone in the implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People.

“I want to thank the disability stakeholders involved in the Strategy’s delivery and monitoring structures for their continued engagement, feedback and commitment.

“I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues across Government and the disability sector as we deliver real improvements in the lives of disabled people across Ireland.”

The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 is the Government's framework for advancing the rights, inclusion and participation of disabled people in Ireland.

The Delivery and Monitoring Committee, which is due to meet twice yearly, is chaired by the Taoiseach and brings together Government Ministers, Disabled Persons' Organisations, civil society organisations and service providers to oversee implementation of the Strategy and monitor progress against agreed commitments.