IWA welcomes the formation of a Government today with Taoiseach, Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris officially back in office.
As the Dáil takes a two-week break to absorb and interpret the Programme for Government, it is critical that the time is spent putting action behind their vocal and written commitments towards resolving key disability issues which will enable people to live full and independent lives.
As the coalition government enter a second term in office, it’s disappointing to see the vagueness and lack of clarity regarding disability issues in their draft Programme, which has been widely criticised.
If we are to believe that they will “deliver a step change in disability services” over the next 5 years, we need to see specific commitment outlined and true engagement with people with disabilities. Ireland has adopted the UNCRPD optional protocol, and we need to put meaningful actions in place towards supporting people with disabilities to realise their rights.
The Programme for Government is less than inclusive, regrettably consigning people with disabilities to the matters of care and health services.
This cannot continue.
We await the announcement of a Minister for Disability and a Minister for Sport, remaining committed to working with those offices to advocate for true change for our members and people with disabilities across Ireland.
Our members want choice, not charity!
As a member of the Disability Federation of Ireland, we recommend reading their very comprehensive analysis of the Programme for Government. https://www.disability-federation.ie/publications/dfi-programme-for-government-analysis