Review sets a framework for action on disability from now until the end of 2021
- Outcome of consultation process with stakeholders places focus on implementation of strategy objectives and obligations under UNCRPD
- Emphasis to be placed on awareness raising, strengthening rights and improving services to those with disabilities
Today, the Minister of State with special responsibility for Disability, Finian McGrath, announced the publication of the mid-term review of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) 2017 – 2021.
The Review, which sets out a framework for actions on disability from now until the end of 2021, was completed following detailed consultation with disability stakeholders, relevant departments and agencies. The work carried out as part of this period of consultation confirmed that stakeholders want the emphasis for the remaining years of the Strategy to be on the implementation of existing commitments within the Strategy, and a particular focus on fulfilling obligations that arise from Ireland’s ratification, in 2018, of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
In response to this consultative process, the Department agrees that the focus for 2020 and 2021 should be the implementation of outstanding actions within the strategy, and on the obligations arising for Ireland under the UNCRPD. The approach, as set out within the mid-term Review, will be focused on the following elements:
- Raising awareness of the lived experience of people with disabilities
- Strengthening the rights of people with disabilities
- Expanding into new areas
- Implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- Improving services to people with disabilities through better implementation and collaborative approaches
Noting the details of the mid-term Review, and particularly the fact that it reaffirms the original vision for the Strategy, Minister McGrath said:
This work has always been a particular passion of mine, and will continue to be. When the Strategy concludes in 2021, my hope and my aim is for Ireland to be a better place for people with disabilities to live in and a place where people with disabilities are involved and consulted with on matters and decisions that affect their lives.
Ireland should be a country where people with disabilities have complete equality, can participate fully in our society, and enjoy a quality of life on a par with the rest of the population.
The NDIS provides a framework in which we can work to achieve this aim. Work must now begin to ensure that actions are implemented so that those changes that are still needed, are realised.
The review is available on the Department of Justice and Equality website at this link: http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/WP15000115
Midterm Review - National Disability Inclusion Strategy.pdf (size 1.1 MB)