The development of Government policy on disability policy is carried out by the Equality Division. The Division’s main functions in this regard include:
-
Implementing the new National Disability Inclusion Strategy (2017 -2021)
-
Coordinating the implementation of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities (2015 - 2024)
-
Engaging with the European Commission and Council of Europe on the development of disability policy and sharing of good practices
-
Providing grant aid and corporate governance to the National Disability Authority
- Acting as a central point of information for queries relating to Disability Policy
Disability Awareness Grant Scheme 2017
The aim of the Disability Awareness Grant Scheme is to support the promotion of positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities. In 2017, grants were awarded to six successful organisations as follows:
-
Swim Ireland €8,000
-
Donegal Sports Partnership €14,000
-
Laois Sports Partnership €25,000
-
Irish Society for Autism €30,000
-
Irish Martial Arts Commission €33,000
-
Athletics Association of Ireland €36,000
The 2017 scheme also supports a Primary Schools Art Competition entitled “Someone Like Me”. The objective of the competition is to develop children’s understanding of disabilities and to help them celebrate the aspects that make them and their classmates unique. See http://www.someonelikemecompetition.ie/ for more information.
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:
-
Equality and Choice
-
Joined up policies and public services
-
Education
-
Employment
-
Health and Wellbeing
-
Person centered disability services
-
Living in the Community; and
-
Transport and access to places
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.
The reports of the Chair of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy Implementation Group are available at the following link: Reports of the Chair of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy Implementation Group
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 |