557. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her Department’s engagement with disabled persons’ organizations and other disability stakeholders in the preparation of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49940/25]

Government is committed to the full implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as ratified by Ireland in 2018.

In fulfilment of commitments under Article 4(3) of the UNCRPD, the consultation and stakeholder engagement processes which informed and influenced the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 were both extensive and inclusive. The National Disability Authority has released a 196 page Consultation Report which can be found on their website.

The consultation was underpinned by principles of participation and aimed to be a genuine, accessible, and transparent process which meaningfully engaged with disabled people. During the consultation, the NDA and my Department proactively sought and gave due consideration and priority to the views and perspectives of Disabled Persons' Organisations (DPOs).

Issues and areas identified as key priorities by DPOs and other disability stakeholders during engagements with this Department in 2023 were used to inform, facilitate, and guide the consultation questions.

In addition to DPOs, people with disabilities and other disability stakeholders including families, parents, carers, and disability organisations were targeted and actively encouraged to participate in the consultation. Marginalised and seldom heard-from groups, such as disabled children and people with significant support needs were specifically included. Acknowledging the intersectionality of disability with other identities, women, migrants, Travellers, and members of the LGBTQI+ community were specifically targeted for consultation. A range of consultation activities were organised to allow different stakeholders choice in how they could engage. Consultation events were held at various times of the day, and during weekdays and the weekend.

Disability stakeholders engaged in consultation activities including:

• 34 focus group discussions involving 211 participants,

• 18 interviews with disabled individuals,

• Four large consultation meetings in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and online, including 166 attendees,

• 81 written and 4 video submissions from DPOs, disability organisations, individuals, and other interest groups,

• A national survey completed by 484 disabled people or carers, family members and supporters of people with disabilities.

All Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs) were invited to make detailed submissions on the Strategy which were given due consideration by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

The Deputy may wish to be aware that my officials will also implement robust stakeholder engagement structures in the coming months. In line with obligations under Article 4(3), Article 29(b) and Article 33(3) of the UNCRPD, these structures will be a fundamental feature of the monitoring and delivery structures guiding the Strategy’s implementation, ensuring that it continues to be responsive to the lived experiences of disabled people and the realities of their lives.

Fundamental to the monitoring of the Strategy’s implementation will be ensuring that disabled people continue to have a voice and a role in how their rights are realised. This will support the kind of holistic, person-centred policy that is envisaged by the Strategy and the UNCRPD, more broadly.