Dublin, 8 December 2025 — Taoiseach Micheál Martin has chaired the first meeting of the Delivery and Monitoring Committee for Ireland’s National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030, marking a significant step in the Government’s commitment to embed the voices and experiences of disabled people at the centre of policy implementation.
The meeting, held in Government Buildings, brought together senior ministers — including Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley and Minister of State for Disability Emer Higgins — alongside representatives from Disabled Persons’ Organisations, disability service providers and civil society.
At the session, the committee reviewed the First Programme Plan of Action, covering 2025 and 2026, which outlines the initial measures intended to deliver tangible improvements in education, employment, healthcare, transport access and community participation for disabled people.
“Delivery and impact are the priority”
Taoiseach Martin said the strategy’s implementation reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring disabled people can “participate fully in their community” and experience real, practical progress in their daily lives. He emphasised that today’s publication of the action plan is “just the start of our work” and highlighted the importance of having disabled people’s organisations as full participants in all future committee meetings to ensure accountability and strong oversight.
A Transparent Roadmap for Change
Minister Foley described the action plan as a “transparent statement of intent” and an “unequivocal call to action,” thanking disabled people who contributed to its development. She said the plan sets out precise steps the Government will take over the coming year to realise the strategy’s promise of a more inclusive Ireland.
Minister Higgins added that the First Programme Plan outlines key milestones essential for tracking progress and ensuring accountability over the five-year strategy. She thanked disabled people and representative groups for their “extremely valuable input” in shaping a framework designed to deliver meaningful, long-term change.
