Committee to discuss disability inclusive participation in political and public life to mark UN International Day of persons with Disabilities.

The United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities is being celebrated on Saturday 3 December, to ‘promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.’

This is a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities and acknowledge and address the barriers and challenges they still face in our society. Ireland’s Parliament is among the first in the world to establish a Committee with the express purpose of monitoring the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and making practical recommendations for its further advancement.

The meeting will take place in Committee Room 4 between 09:30-12:30. 

The following representatives are due to appear:
• Pat Clarke, Vice President - European Disability Forum
• Representatives from Disability Stakeholder Group (DSG) Annette Costello, Robbie Sinnott, John Dolan & Ciarán Delaney

The DSG is a group comprised of 24 members, appointed by the Minister of State for Disability to monitor the implementation of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy.
The Group includes representatives from Disabled Persons’ Organisations, disability NGOs and service provider organisations, as well as individuals with lived experience of disability.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach, Deputy Michael Moynihan said: “We welcome the opportunity to discuss disability inclusive participation in public life following the publication of our report on the issue earlier this year."

“The demand ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ delivers a powerful call to achieve full participation and equalisation of opportunities for, by and with people with disabilities across every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life and in the decisions affecting disabled people's lives. The Committee continues this call on International Day of Persons with Disabilities”.

“While the right for people with disabilities to vote and run for election is guaranteed under the UNCPRD it is clear more needs to be done in Ireland and Europe to increase participation and to address the barriers people with disabilities face when it comes to political and public life.”

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.