The Equality Division coordinates the development of Government policy on disability.
Its main functions in relation to Disability include:
- Developing a new National Disability Inclusion Strategy
- 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
National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021
On July 14th 2017, Minister of State for Disability Finian Mc Grath launched a new National Disability Inclusion Strategy to span 2017 to 2021.
The Strategy will take 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 will be overseen by a Steering Group, with representatives of relevant 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 and will meet on 24 July to review progress and agree a workplan for achieving the agreed targets for 2017.
Information regarding the new strategy can be had by clicking on the following links.
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 An 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.
A group to oversee the implementation of the strategy has been established and has met on five occasions to review progress of the six strategic priorities of the strategy. This group, which is chaired by Mr Fergus Finlay, will ensure that each Government Department is fulfilling its obligations and meeting its targets under the Strategy.
Here, you can read the Report of the Chair of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy Implementation Group - 2016.
An Easy to Read version of the Chair's Report is available here.
Disability Awareness Raising Grant Scheme 2016
The aim of the scheme is to support the promotion of positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities. We invited applications from organisations with proposals that raise awareness of disability and that demonstrate effective action to improve attitudes towards persons with disabilities. Grant awards ranged from €5,000 to a maximum of €40,000 per project. The deadline for applications was 11 August 2016, and grants were awarded to six successful organisations in September 2016.
Project proposals should raise awareness and promote positive attitudes to persons with disabilities in general but particularly in these areas:
- delivering mainstream services and information
- community activities
- employment
- sporting activities
- social activities
- media
- education
- local business
National Disability Authority (NDA)
The National Disability Authority is the independent state body providing expert advice on disability policy and practice to the government and the public sector, and promoting Universal Design in Ireland.
Key disability policy documents, including the Report of the Commission on People with Disabilities can be found here.
Council of Europe Disability Strategy 2017 - 2023
The Council of Europe is currently preparing a new Council of Europe Disability Strategy 2017 – 2023.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Information available here.
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 |
| Email: | disabilityinbox@justice.ie |