National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 Consultation Report

The consultation process

Throughout the course of the consultation, the NDA regularly shared emerging findings with the then Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) to help inform the ongoing development, approach and content of the new National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030.

The consultation was underpinned by principles of participation and aimed to be a genuine, accessible, and transparent process which meaningfully engaged with disabled people. During the consultation, the NDA and DCEDIY proactively sought and gave due consideration and priority to the opinions and views of DPOs. Specific DPO contributions are noted in this report for easy identification and consideration by policy makers as part of the strategy development process.[1] Issues and areas identified as key priorities by DPOs and other disability stakeholders during engagements with DCEDIY in 2023 were used to inform, facilitate, and guide the consultation questions.

In addition to DPOs, people with disabilities and other disability stakeholders including families, parents, carers, and disability organisations were targeted and actively encouraged to participate in the consultation. Marginalised and seldom heard-from groups, such as disabled children and people with significant support needs were specifically included. Acknowledging the intersectionality of disability with other identities[2], women, migrants, Travellers, and members of the LGBTQI+ community were specifically targeted for consultation. A range of consultation activities were organised to allow different stakeholders choice in how they could engage. Consultation events were held at various times of the day, and during weekdays and the weekend.

Disability stakeholders engaged in consultation activities including:

• 34 focus group discussions involving 211 participants,
• 18 interviews with disabled individuals,
• Four large consultation meetings in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and online, including 166 attendees,
• 81 written and 4 video submissions from DPOs, disability organisations, individuals, and other interest groups,
• A national survey completed by 484 disabled people or carers, family members and supporters of people with disabilities.

Qualitative and quantitative data were collected across consultation activities. Data were analysed to identify the challenges, barriers, actions, and solutions raised by consultation participants.

The consultation report

The purpose of this report was to summarise the breadth of the contributions made and the solutions suggested by a wide range of disability stakeholders. Unfortunately, it was not possible for all contributions to be included in the new strategy. However, this report is an extremely valuable record of the concerns and suggestions of Disabled Persons’ Organisations, disabled people, their families, service providers, civil society organisations, advocacy bodies and carers.

While the key purpose of this document was to inform the development of the new National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030, we also encourage stakeholders to use this report to inform reporting ahead of Ireland’s first examination under the UNCRPD, to shape the national disability research agenda and government policies, and to inform other government strategies and action plans more generally. When considering the recommendations in this report, we encourage stakeholders to be inclusive of children, young people and adults with disabilities, and those with intersectional identities. We look forward to the implementation of the new Strategy, informed by this report, that will promote the human rights of all disabled people in Ireland.

[1] Please note that in addition to this national consultation there was ongoing direct consultations between DCEDIY and DPOs that are not captured in this report.

[2] Individuals with disabilities may belong to multiple different racial, ethnic, gender, or socioeconomic backgrounds. These intersecting identities can influence their experiences and the types of challenges and barriers they encounter.

Download the report or watch an ISL Summary

Watch the ISL summary.