The development of Government policy on disability policy is carried out by the Equality Division. The Division’s main functions in this regard include:

National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021　

On 14 July 2017, the Minister of State for Disability Issues, Finian Mc Grath launched a new National Disability Inclusion Strategy to span 2017 to 2021.

The Strategy takes a whole of Government approach to improving the lives of people with disabilities both in a practical sense, and also in creating the best possible opportunities for people with disabilities to fulfil their potential.　

The Strategy comprises the following eight themes:　

The Strategy was prepared on foot of a comprehensive consultation process that took place during 2016 and was completed early in 2017. The purpose of this process was to identify and agree specific actions and timescales for delivery under the themes set out above. Implementation of the Strategy is being overseen by a Steering Group, which comprises representatives of the key government departments and agencies and of disability stakeholders. The Group is chaired by the Minister of State.　

The National Disability Strategy Steering Group will publish an annual report on progress made in each year of the Strategy starting in 2018, and there will also be a midterm review.

 

National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021

National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (Easy to Read Version)


Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024

The Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities was launched by then Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny TD at Farmleigh House on 2 October 2015. The strategy requires a cross-government approach that brings together actions by different departments and state agencies in a concerted effort to address the barriers and challenges that impact on employment of people with disabilities.

An implementation group which is chaired by Fergus Finlay meets regularly to oversee the implementation of the strategy and ensure that each Government Department is fulfilling its obligations and meeting its targets.

Here, you can read the Report of the Chair of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy Implementation Group - 2016.

An Easy to Read version of the Chair's Report is available here.


Disability Awareness Raising Grant Scheme 2016

The aim of the scheme is to support the promotion of positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities. We invited applications from organisations with proposals that raise awareness of disability and that demonstrate effective action to improve attitudes towards persons with disabilities. Grant awards ranged from €5,000 to a maximum of €40,000 per project.  The deadline for applications was 11 August 2016, and grants were awarded to six successful organisations in September 2016.

Project proposals should raise awareness and promote positive attitudes to persons with disabilities in general but particularly in these areas:


National Disability Authority (NDA)

The National Disability Authority is the independent state body providing expert advice on disability policy and practice to the government and the public sector, and promoting Universal Design in Ireland.

Key disability policy documents, including the Report of the Commission on People with Disabilities can be found here.

 

Council of Europe Disability Strategy 2017 - 2023

The Council of Europe is currently preparing a new Council of Europe Disability Strategy 2017 – 2023.
 

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Information available here.

 

Contact details

   
Address: Equality Division
  Department of Justice and Equality
  2nd Floor, Bishop’s Square
  Redmond’s Hill
  Dublin 2
  D02 TD99
   
Phone (main reception): + 353 1 479-0200
Lo-Call: 1890 555-509
Email: disabilityinbox@justice.ie