DFI Encourages Candidates to ‘Take Responsibility’ on Disability at General Election Husting

General election candidates will face questions on how they plan to address the urgent needs of people with disabilities in a husting hosted by the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) at 11am today (Monday 18 November).
 

The event will shine a spotlight on the key demands outlined in DFI’s election manifesto, and the pressing concerns of their member organisations and people with disabilities themselves.
 

DFI’s manifesto highlights critical areas such as essential community services and supports, health, poverty, and housing—issues that disproportionately affect people with disabilities and require immediate government action.
 

DFI CEO Elaine Teague emphasised the importance of the husting in shaping the next programme for government.
 

“Ireland consistently ranks at the bottom of EU statistics for poverty and employment rates among people with disabilities. With an election imminent, we have a vital opportunity to change this narrative. Disability inclusion is not optional—it must be central to the vision for a new government programme. Political parties need to plan and deliver on lifting people with disabilities out of poverty, provide essential services, and enable full participation in their communities,” said Ms. Teague.
 

The manifesto underscores the interconnected nature of the challenges disabled people face.
 

“Disability affects every aspect of society—from poverty and housing to healthcare, transport, and employment. Addressing these issues requires an ‘all-of-government’ approach to ensure no one falls through the cracks,” Ms. Teague added.
 

Ireland’s Disability Act, last updated in 2005, also needs urgent reform to align with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), which Ireland ratified.
 

“We’re calling for the Disability Act to be reformed to reflect the modern-day realities of living with a disability. Our legislation must align with our obligations under the UN CRPD,” said Ms. Teague.

The 2022 census reveals that over one in five people in Ireland live with a disability. However, many, including a disproportionate number of children face a system of inadequate funding for community services that play a vital role in their daily lives.
 

“A growing population with unmet needs demands a government committed to sustainable, multi-annual planning for community and voluntary services. These services are essential for ensuring that disabled people can live with dignity and participate fully in society,” Ms. Teague explained.
 

Commenting on the severe impact of underfunding on both service providers and disabled individuals, she added,
 

“Uncertainty in funding hinders the ability to plan and deliver essential services. The cost of this instability is borne by disabled people, who are often left without the supports they need to thrive. We need decisive action to address this in the next programme for government.”
 

Ultimately, Ms. Teague concludes
 

“Better lives for disabled people mean stronger, more cohesive communities. Accessible public spaces, inclusive education, and equitable services benefit everyone. This election presents a real opportunity to build a better, more inclusive Ireland. Now is the time to start making this vision a reality.”
 

For more information, visit the DFI’s summary manifesto or read the full manifesto.
 

For CSO disability statistics read our county profiles.

Candidates can sign our Disability Pledge

ENDS