1022. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment 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 [60748/26]

Following on from the launch of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 and the publication of the First Programme Plan of Action considerable progress has been made in delivering across the Strategy. In line with its overarching whole-of-government approach, delivery on the actions and commitments under the Strategy’s five pillars are being led by several Government departments and public bodies as befits their remits.

The publication of biannual reports outlining progress on commitments and actions as set out in the Programme Plans of Action is a key commitment in the Strategy. The first set of biannual reports were reviewed by the Delivery and Monitoring Committee, chaired by the Taoiseach, on 16 July and are published online.

My Department along, with the Department of Social Protection co-leads the Employment pillar of the Strategy. The ambition of the Employment Pillar is to bridge the employment gap between disabled people and others who are in employment and to enhance the opportunities for disabled people who can earn a living, to do so.

My Department’s priority commitment has been to establish a Forum on the Employment of Disabled People, which had its first meeting on 26 February 2026. Its aim is to provide a platform for consultation and engagement with employers on disability employment. This Forum will serve as a means of discussing how best to support employers to employ people with a disability and will provide a vehicle for sharing relevant information on government policies and programmes. The Forum engages with relevant stakeholders and Disabled Persons Organisations in pursuit of these aims.

As part of the strategy, my Department is also committed to promoting inclusion and accessibility in entrepreneurship, for people with disabilities. This involves the Local Enterprise Offices adapting content and method of delivery, in consultation with Disabled Persons' Organisations, and standardised training for trainers and mentors.