Irish Wheelchair Association welcomes the launch of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025 -2030
This is an important step forward in recognising the rights of people with disabilities and in aligning Ireland more closely with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
However, strategy alone is not enough. Real change requires action. We now need to see the commitments in the strategy reflected in the upcoming Budget, backed by adequate resources, and delivered through a clear and accountable implementation plan. Strong cross-government commitment will be essential to ensure that the strategy does not remain aspirational but results in real improvements in the daily lives of people with disabilities.
IWA’s Advocacy Manager Joan Carthy being interviewed by RTE at the launch of the National Human Rights Disability Strategy
IWA is encouraged to see the inclusion of two key issues that our members have brought to us. In particular, our Getting Nowhere Report on Transport, issued in 2024 called for “ A review of all minimum stands, guidelines and regulations that apply to the public transport network”, which is now included in the Government’s strategic plan.
The second is the inclusion of “Ensuring that there is a dedicated full-time post for an Access Officer in each Local Authority.” Again this is something that we called out in our “Access, It’s No Joke” Campaign launched in April of this year. We will be continuing to campaign to get this over the line and holding the Government accountable.
While cost of disability payment is high on everyone’s priority list it is included as part of the Government’s Strategic Focus Network Summits for 2025-2026. We hope to see a recognition of this in Budget 2026.
Irish Wheelchair Association stands ready to work with Government and all stakeholders to ensure that the strategy leads to meaningful, measurable change.
