On International Day of People with Disabilities, it’s Time for a Strong Commitment to Disability in Ireland

International Day of People with Disabilities falls as the last votes are counted in the general election. The Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) is urging political parties to prioritise rights and inclusion for disabled people when negotiating and determining the next Programme for Government.  

DFI CEO, Elaine Teague emphasises the urgency of this commitment: 

“International Day of People with Disabilities falls in the aftermath of an election where disability emerged as a doorstep issue.  

More than one million people in Ireland live with a disability. This is a pivotal moment to ensure Ireland is fostering equality and inclusion.  

With nearly a third of general election candidates signing DFI’s Disability Pledge, it signals a commitment to a values-led government. We need to monitor this to ensure that the pledge is acted upon and delivered. It's important to see this translate into concrete commitments in the Programme for Government, rather than remaining just election promises.” 

Disability became a crucial issue in the election campaign.  Candidates and party leaders acknowledged that the issue came up on doorsteps and recognise that much more needs to be done for disability services and inclusion in the community. 

Ms Teague continues: 

"This is a moment of change, not just in the disability sector, but at a wider political and societal level in Ireland. People with disabilities are experiencing the impact of under-resourced social and community supports, with employment, education, housing and cost of living as critical issues, we need to strive for an Ireland that takes the values of equality and inclusion seriously. 

The theme of International Day of People with Disabilities in 2024 is “amplifying the leadership of people with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.” Disability activist Carolyn Akintola echoes this sentiment,   

“A new Programme for Government has a duty to prioritise disability inclusion as a matter of urgency. This is about what kind of Ireland we want to see, and it should be one where the future for disabled people should be led by disabled people,” she said. 

International Day of People with Disabilities is not just a day. It’s a call to create a society where people with disabilities thrive in communities across Ireland. That’s why we need a government that makes ambitious commitments to disability rights. 

ENDS