Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
117. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how the rights of disabled people are respected, protected, and fulfilled in the design, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all climate policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19897/23]
View answer138. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department engaged disabled people in meaningful, informed and effective consultation with regard to climate policy-making; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19896/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 138 together.
The challenges facing disabled people are reflected in a number of policy areas within my Department including the National Dialogue on Climate Action, the National Adaptation Framework, the Circular Economy, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The National Dialogue on Climate Action (NDCA) is the vehicle to enable and empower people across Ireland to participate in the Climate Action Plan and climate polices.
In 2022, the NDCA hosted focus groups to engage populations vulnerable to the transition to carbon neutrality. A focus group involving disabled people was held on 20 June 2022.
At the focus group, we heard was that disabled people are facing different challenges compared to the rest of society, which include: a lack of access to public transport; significant disruption to routines if retrofitting homes; their reliance on single-use plastics such as straws; and that they are not well represented in the climate dialogue.
We are building on these insights, and in 2023 we are planning a more inclusive programme, engaging with Disabled Persons Organisations through a series of deliberative workshops, actively including disabled people at local and national engagement events, and ensuring people living with disabilities are included and recognised in online consultations.
Cumulatively insights gained from these engagements will inform climate policy as to the issues facing disabled people, and help Government to better provide adequate supports on our collective journey to a fair and equitable transition to carbon neutrality.
