1619. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to report on progress to meet his commitments under the national human rights strategy for disabled people; the measures taken since the strategy was introduced; the key metrics identified to measure progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter [60746/26]

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality, which has overall responsibility for coordinating the Strategy, published a report in July which provides a comprehensive overview of implementation across government. I would refer the deputy to the report, particularly commitment 8 - ’ Participation in Social and Cultural Life’ for full progress update for my department National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/national-human-rights-strategy-for-disabled-people-2025-2030-formats/

I am pleased to report that progress is being made on my Department’s commitments within Pillar 3 of the Strategy which focuses on independent living and active participation in society.

Within my Department's remit, work is progressing to improve opportunities for disabled people to participate in sport and physical activity. Sport Ireland is providing directed investment through a national network of 29 Sports Inclusion Disability Officers, supported by €1.2m in local investment and €2.4m for disability sport-focused Non-Governmental Organisations.

Greater accessibility and inclusion are being supported across the arts and cultural sector. The Night-Time Economy Accessibility Survey Report is now published, and work is continuing to identify practical solutions and address barriers faced by disabled people when engaging in the Night-Time Economy.

Measures are continuing to promote the representation and participation of disabled people in media and wider cultural life. As part of Coimisiún na Meán’s most recent Sound & Vision Scheme funding round (Round 58), announced in April 2026, funding was offered to 21 audiovisual projects, all of which have committed to providing subtitles. 19 of the projects have committed to providing Audio Description and 16 will provide Irish Sign Language.

Additionally, in September 2025 my Department published a Disability Supports Report outlining the key objectives and supports for people with disabilities and details a range of supports and funded programmes provided by the Culture, Communications and Sport Sectors and Agencies/Bodies under my remit. This is available at the following link Disability Supports by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/publications/disability-supports-by-the-department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/

My Department will continue to work with the relevant agencies and engage with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to progress the commitments over the lifetime of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People.