Over 40% of Elected TDs Have Signed Disability Pledge

71 of the 174 TDs elected to the Dáil signed a Disability Pledge hosted by the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI). This represents 41% of the newly elected Dáil Éireann. The pledge commits TD’s to “prioritise disability in policy and legislation” and “promote inclusion, social cohesion, and ensure the full and equal participation of disabled people in my constituency and in communities across Ireland."

DFI CEO Elaine Teague said that the elected representatives who signed the pledge are from all political parties and none.

"This indicates that no matter what role the TD has in the next Dail, as a member of the Government party or as a member of the opposition, we can expect to see TD’s working together to formulate policies and legislation that focuses on improving the opportunities for equality and inclusion and for ensuring equal participation of disabled people.  

"We need to see concrete actions to deliver on election promises on cost of disability, access to services, housing and disability inclusion.

Signing the pledge indicates an intention. And we have followed up with each elected representative who signed our pledge to remind them of their commitment."

DFI is urging all parties to follow through on their commitments by advocating for the immediate implementation of policies that:

1. Remove barriers to inclusion and equality.
2. Address the extra costs associated with disability.
3. Increase the number of universally designed homes,
4. Enhance coordination between housing and social care
5. Improve access to vital supports, services, and opportunities for people with disabilities.
6. Invest in accessible public and local transport
   
   

Ms Teague said the response to the pledge is a great start.

"This strong level of support demonstrates that disability priorities are on the agenda for many newly elected TDs. A total of 217 candidates signed the pledge during the campaign, 71 of whom were elected.

To bridge the gap between campaign commitments and legislative action, we’re encouraging everyone to keep pushing to ensure the commitment in the pledge translates into real improvements for the lives of people with disabilities.

We remind those who are negotiating the programme for government that election commitments must now be translated into a strong Programme for Government that prioritises disability.”

Breakdown of Pledge Signatories by Party

• Fianna Fáil: 21% - 10 out of 48 elected TDs signed the pledge.
• Fine Gael: 29% - 11 out of 38 elected TDs signed the pledge.
• Green Party: 100% - 1 out of 1 elected TD signed the pledge.
• Independent Ireland: 25% - 1 out of 4 elected TDs signed the pledge.
• Independents: 25% - 4 out of 16 elected TDs signed the pledge.
• Labour: 64% - 7 out of 11 elected TDs signed the pledge.
• PBP-Solidarity: 100% All 3 elected TDs signed the pledge.
• Sinn Féin: 59% (23/39) 23 out of 39 elected TDs signed the pledge.
• Social Democrats: 100% - All 11 elected TDs signed the pledge.

ENDS

See all the Disability Pledge signatories.

Breakdown of Elected Signatories by Party (by number)

Breakdown of All Candisates (Elected and Non-Elected) Signatories by Party

Listen to DFI Director of Advocacy, Emer Begley on LMFM discussing the pledge and committments we need to see in the next Programme for Government