Ireland has approved its first National Equality Data Strategy, a landmark framework designed to transform how the State collects and uses equality‑related information across Government. Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley welcomed the decision, describing it as a crucial step toward more inclusive, data‑driven policymaking.
Developed jointly by the Central Statistics Office and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the 2026–2031 strategy was shaped in partnership with Government departments and civil‑society organisations. It aims to close long‑standing gaps in equality data and establish consistent national standards for classification, collection and reporting.
Minister Foley said Ireland’s rising position in the EU Gender Equality Index reflects meaningful progress, but emphasised that further work is needed to address persistent inequalities. She highlighted ongoing efforts under the recently launched National Strategy for Women and Girls, including measures to strengthen women’s political representation and improve work‑life balance.
Under the new framework, all Government departments will be required to commit to collecting, using or disseminating equality data and to build the internal capacity needed to meet these obligations. The strategy focuses on improving the collection and disaggregation of data linked to protected characteristics under Ireland’s Equality Acts—such as gender, age, disability, race, religion and membership of the Traveller community—while also encouraging broader approaches where needed.
Structured around four strands—data collection, standards and classification, data use, and monitoring and oversight—the strategy includes a detailed action plan running from 2026 to 2031. Its goal is to create a whole‑of‑government system capable of generating robust, comparable equality data to support better services and more equitable outcomes nationwide.
Minister-for-Children-Disability-and-Equality-Norma-Foley-picture-from-The-Office-of-the-President-of-Ireland
