Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
460. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the adequacy of his Department’s consultation in relation to the national disability strategy. [52945/23]
View answerMy Department is leading discussions at a whole-of-government level for the development and delivery of a new National Disability Strategy in early 2024. As part of this work, and in line with obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, an extensive and robust stakeholder consultation process is underway, to ensure that the voices and perspectives of persons with disabilities are captured and represented in the Strategy.
Article 4 (3) of the UNCRPD specifically states that “in the development and implementation of legislation and policies […], States Parties shall consult closely with and actively involve persons with disabilities, including children with disabilities, through their representative organisations.” As such, this Government is fully committed to the principle of "nothing about us, without us" and the delivery of a Strategy that is based on detailed consultation with persons with disabilities and which is committed to the principle of mainstream-first service delivery.
Led by my Department, and the National Disability Authority, detailed consultation has commenced for the development of the next National Disability Strategy.
• In line with the imperative for consultation with Disabled Persons Representative Organisations as established in the UNCRPD, officials are engaging on an ongoing basis with the DPO Network, the Disability Participation and Consultation Network and the Disability Stakeholder Group. These meetings began at the start of the year and have intensified as the year went on.
• The National Disability Authority are leading on a series of focus groups, with a focus on seldom heard groups. Focus group topics include carers, older persons, transport, cost of disability, employment and training, housing and independent living, disability health and social care services and supports, education, and women and disability.
• A national questionnaire to inform the Strategy will launch in the coming weeks and will be operated through the UNCRPD webpage.
• Video submissions will be welcomed, to provide additional avenues for input from those who use ISL or have low literacy.
• DCEDIY and the NDA will also host a series of Town Hall-style in person meetings, to include a launch event on 7th December in the Marker Hotel, as well as 2-3 regional events.
Finally engagement is ongoing across Government to ensure the collaborative development of what will be a whole-of-Government strategy to support persons with disabilities to live full lives of their choosing in our communities.
