UN CRPD Alternative Report for Ireland

Issued on June 24 2025

A new UN CRPD Alternative Report for Ireland was compiled by six leading disability organisations:

  • Disability Federation of Ireland, DFI
  • Irish Wheelchair Association, IWA
  • Chime
  • Enable Ireland
  • Rehab Group
  • Mental Health Reform, MHR

The report aims to shine a spotlight on Ireland’s slow and uneven progress in delivering on the rights of people with disabilities.

Despite pockets of progress, the report paints a sobering picture. Many areas of life for disabled people have stalled or even worsened since Ireland’s last official state report in 2021. The findings come as Ireland undergoes its first ever review under the UN CRPD.

Where things stand

Living Independently

The housing crisis is pushing people with disabilities further to the margins. Thousands remain stuck in unsuitable accommodation, including over 1,200 under-65s in nursing homes. Supports like Personal Assistants, PAs are chronically underfunded and overstretched.

Accessibility

While there are improvements, such as better public websites and some accessible transport, real-world barriers persist. Many still face inaccessible streets, patchy rural transport, and a chronic shortage of ISL interpreters. Crucially, people with disabilities are often not meaningfully included in planning.

Employment

Ireland has one of the lowest disability employment rates in the EU. Employers often lack awareness, and benefits can be withdrawn if people start earning. Promising new schemes exist, but uptake is poor and awareness is low.

Poverty and Cost of Disability

Disabled people face weighy extra costs of up to €15,000 a year, on top of already inadequate social welfare. Once-off government payments are welcome but fall far short of what's needed to live with dignity and independence.

Political Participation

On paper, the voting system is accessible. In practice, issues like inaccessible polling stations, complex postal voting processes, and low political representation create real barriers.

Data and Decision-Making

Lack of detailed, disaggregated data means that organisations—and government—are operating without a full picture. This directly hampers good policy and progress.

Navigating Better Implementation

Progress is possible, but it needs urgency, accountability, and real partnership with disabled people.

Some key asks include:

  • Reinstating critical transport and mobility supports

  • Creating a right to Personal Assistance

  • Tackling poverty with a permanent Cost of Disability payment

  • Ensuring accessible housing is part of all future building plans

  • Properly funding and recognising Disabled Persons’ Organisations, DPOs.

Ireland's Obligations

Ireland signed up to the UN CRPD to protect and promote the rights of people with disabilities. This report is a wake-up call. Without faster, more inclusive action, many risk being left behind.

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The fight for disability rights is far from over. Read our full report.