Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
737. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the status of Ireland's progress and performance in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of people with Disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16451/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to supporting people with disabilities through the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (known as the UNCRPD).
Irelands first report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was published in November 2021 and described what Ireland is doing to protect and enhance the rights of people with disabilities. Ireland is due before the UN Committee to report on its implementation of the UNCRPD. This report will be reviewed by the UN Committee and Ireland is currently awaiting a date for that review.
The Committee has prepared a list of issues in relation to Ireland’s report and a written response to those is due by the end of July 2026. This report is being coordinated by this Department.
UNCRPD also requires each state to establish an Independent Monitoring Mechanism to promote, protect and monitor the implementation of the Convention. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) performs this role in Ireland.
While the Department operates as the mandated "coordination mechanism" for the UNCRPD in Ireland, Government is committed to the mainstream-first approach to policy that is promoted by the Convention, meaning that it is incumbent on every public body to deliver their services in a fashion that is inclusive of the needs of disabled people.
The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, launched last year, sets out a whole of government approach to disability over the next five years that advances further implementation of UNCRPD. It constitutes an overarching framework for delivering a step-change in the provision of disability services across several policy areas.
The Strategy is advancing the delivery on actions across five key thematic pillars that collectively capture the full range of issues impacting on the lives of disabled people:
• Inclusive Learning and Education.
• Employment.
• Independent Living and Active Participation in Society.
• Wellbeing and Health.
• Transport and Mobility.
In keeping with the whole-of-government approach set out in the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, I look forward to working with colleagues across government in ensuring that the priority actions that fall under the remit of responsible government departments and public bodies will be delivered in the manner set out in the First Programme Plan of Action 2025-2026 (https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/0f74f208/National_Human_Rights_Strategy_for_Disabled_People_-_First_Programme_Plan_of_Action_2025-2026_PDF.pdf).
