The Leaders’ Debate and Disability: A Call for Action

Tonight’s Leaders’ Debate provides a critical opportunity for party leaders to address the pressing concerns impacting disabled people in Ireland.

Elaine Teague, CEO of the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), emphasised the urgency of this issue:

“Equality, human rights, and inclusion are not optional—they must be central to the vision for any new government. Political parties need to commit to lifting people with disabilities out of poverty and creating a society where full participation for everyone is possible.  

Ms. Teague highlighted that: “Disability affects every aspect of society—from housing to healthcare, transport, income and employment. Addressing these issues demands an ‘all-of-government’ approach to ensure that no one is left behind. Ireland consistently ranks amongst the worst in the EU for rates of poverty and unemployment experienced by people with disabilities.

The 2022 Census revealed that over one in five people in Ireland live with a disability. The issues of access to sustainable, high quality services and supports, in local communities must be addressed.

Tonight’s debate is an opportunity for the one in five people living with a disability to hear the vision the party leaders have for an inclusive Ireland, one that promotes disability rights and equality and how they propose to adequately resource essential services and supports. 

ENDS

For more information contact:  Colm Scanlon, 01 425 0126, colmscanlon@disability-federation.ie