merrion street

The Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte T.D., has held her first meeting with the newly established Disability Participation and Consultation Network. The Network ensures people with a disability are involved in the development of policy and legislation, in line with the requirements of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

The introductory meeting, which was held on Thursday 21st January, was attended by the Organising Member and Grant-Funded Members of the Network, whom will play a key role in its operation. The Minister discussed the Network’s plans and the exciting and challenging tasks ahead. The Network’s first task will be undertaking consultation on Ireland’s draft Initial State report under the UNCRPD.

Minister Rabbitte said, “I was delighted to have my first meeting with the Organising Member and Grant-Funded Members together as the Disability Participation and Consultation Network. I know the excellent and inspiring work the organisations involved do individually and I am excited to see them come together to achieve the goals of the Network.

“I am looking forward to the important feedback that the Network will have into the draft report. It is vital that we hear the voices of people with disabilities in this process and the organisations involved are well placed to undertake this task. In particular, I would acknowledge the involvement of the Disabled Persons Organisations in the Network and the unique voice that they will bring.’

“There was a huge response to be part of the Network and there will be over 70 volunteer members from around the country joining over the coming weeks. It’s an exciting initiative and one which will play a pivotal role in the development of policy and legislation in the years ahead,” concluded Minister Rabbitte.

An extension to the deadline of public consultation phase of the Draft Initial State Report was also confirmed. The deadline date is now the 9th April 2021.

Notes for Editors:

• The Network is made up of an Organising member (Inclusion Ireland), four Grant-funded Members (DPO Coalition, As I Am, Mental Health Reform and Disability Federation Ireland) and over 70 voluntary members.
• Consultation on Ireland’s Initial State Report to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an immediate task for the Network.  
• The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted in 2006. Ireland signed the Convention in 2007 and ratified the Convention in 2018.
• Ireland is due to submit its Initial State Report to the Committee.
• A draft of the Initial State Report to the Committee has been published for consultation. More information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/aa9a7-consultation-on-the-draft-initial-state-report-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities/
• Under the UNCRPD, the effective participation of, and consultation with, persons with disabilities in the development of policy and legislation is crucial.
• The National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) 2017 - 2021 is the currently the key framework for policy and action to address the needs of people with disabilities. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is the lead department for this strategy.
• The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is Ireland’s designated Focal Point and Coordination Mechanism under the UNCRPD.
• A Disabled Persons’ Organisation (DPO) is a civil society organisation of persons with disabilities that is led, directed and governed by persons with disabilities. A clear majority of its membership should be persons with disabilities. The organisation should be rooted in, committed to and fully respect the principles and rights recognised in the UNCRPD.