DFI Submission on Article 29: Participation in Political and Public Life

Issued on February 19 2025

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DFI has submitted a report on Article 29 of the UN CRPD, examining the participation of disabled people in political and public life in Ireland. While Irish law broadly aligns with the UN CRPD, barriers remain in implementation, accessibility, and support for civil society.

Key findings include:

🗳️ Voting Access – While voting rights are protected, barriers exist, such as inaccessible polling stations, complex postal voting processes, and inadequate support for disabled voters.
🏛️ Running for Office – No legal restrictions exist, but financial hardship, employment barriers, and a lack of government support make it difficult for disabled people to enter politics.
📢 Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) – Ireland lacks a formal framework, recognition, or sustained funding for DPOs, limiting their ability to advocate effectively.

We call for improved accessibility, a more inclusive electoral system, and dedicated funding to support disability advocacy and political participation. While legal progress has been made, cultural and systemic barriers must be addressed to ensure full equality in public life.