DFI Brief on Ireland’s National Human Rights Strategy: Plain English version

Issued on November 6 2025

Ireland’s first National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People was launched in September 2025, marking a major step forward since Ireland ratified the UN CRPD in 2018.

The Strategy was shaped through extensive consultation with disabled people, Disabled Persons’ Organisations, DPOs, and disability support organisations, including DFI members. It takes a human rights-based approach, recognising disabled people as rights-holders and calling for a whole-of-government response.

We've developed a plain English summary and brief on the Strategy.

Key Commitments

The Strategy is built around five pillars, with 123 actions in total:

  1. Inclusive Learning and Education

    Focuses on inclusion across all levels of education and better recognition of Irish Sign Language (ISL). DFI warns that continued investment in special schools and classes contradicts Ireland’s commitment to inclusive education under the UN CRPD.

  2. Employment

    Aims to improve access to work for disabled people. Promises to review the Disability Allowance are welcome, but DFI notes weaker commitments than in previous strategies and calls for clear targets to close Ireland’s wide disability employment gap.

  3. Independent Living and Community Participation

    Includes 36 actions to support personal independence and participation. DFI welcomes recognition of disability services as part of independent living, but flags the lack of clear targets on deinstitutionalisation, accessible housing, and supports for young disabled people in nursing homes.
    The appointment of Access and Inclusion Officers in every local authority is a major positive.

  4. Health and Wellbeing

    Commits to improving access and equality across health services, with a stronger focus on disability equality training and Universal Design. DFI highlights the absence of actions on disabled women’s health and rare diseases.

  5. Transport and Mobility

    Supports better access through Universal Design and a “whole-of-journey” approach. Expansion of Local Link and a new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme are welcome, but the continued delay in reforming the Mobility Allowance remains a concern.

What’s Missing

DFI points to several gaps:

  • No reference to key UN CRPD articles (e.g. equality, access to justice, participation in political life).

  • No commitment to reduce disability poverty, despite high rates.

  • No legal right to independent advocacy.

  • Weak actions on intersectionality, gender-based violence, and the Cost of Disability.

  • No mention of Artificial Intelligence, which could impact inclusion.

Implementation and Monitoring

The Government will publish two-year Programme Plans of Action to deliver and measure progress. Three Strategic Focus Networks will be established on:

  • Digital and Assistive Technology

  • Cost of Disability

  • Intersectionality

Monitoring will involve the Cabinet, Oireachtas, a Delivery and Monitoring Committee, and an Annual Forum for stakeholders and DPOs.

DFI’s Role

We will continue to work with government and partners to ensure the Strategy delivers real change.
We will monitor progress, share evidence from members, and advocate for stronger leadership, accountability, funding, and genuine inclusion across all government actions.