4138. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht 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 [60738/26]

My Department's mission is to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland. In line with that mission, my Department has made several commitments under Pillar 3 of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People, to promote independent living and active participation in society.

As per the most recent bi-annual progress report, my department has made substantial progress on fulfilling each of its commitments under the Strategy. Under the eligibility criteria for the 2026 Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme, projects that result in improved access to recreational facilities for those with disabilities and older people are actively encouraged and will be prioritised. Application guidance also states that infrastructure funded under ORIS should be in line with the Universal Design Principles and as far as practicable, be accessible to all.

My Department commissioned independent research into barriers for participation in Public Participation Networks (PPNs), the report on which, together with an easy read version, is available on the PPN page of my department’s website. Discussions have been held with PPNs on the findings, and it has been agreed that each PPN will use the recommendations to identify potential actions to widen accessibility based on local needs.

Finally under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, SICAP, my department is committed to delivering inclusivity and capacity building supports in line with the Strategy. There has been a positive trend of increased supports to this Target Group under SICAP 2024-2028. In 2025, 5,127 individuals with a disability received supports under the programme, an increase from 4,776 in 2024. Similarly, 287 community groups focused on people with disabilities received supports in 2025, compared to 267 in 2024. For the first 6-months of 2026, 3,573 individuals have received supports under SICAP, along with 223 community groups to June 2026. Additionally, approximately 2,480 individuals with a disability have received soft skills and wellbeing supports, of which almost 1,000 have participated in a course, with 72% successfully having completed a course as of June 2026.

My Department is fully committed to working collaboratively across government to further inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities over the lifetime of the Strategy.