[Image: A square graphic with a dark blue background and text reading: “Communicating Europe. A series exploring rights, access, and Ireland’s EU Presidency for 2026. www.disabilityparticipation.ie. Disability Participation News Hub.” The logo of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is in the bottom left hand corner. An illustration of a black and white megaphone is next to a map of Europe with EU stars in the centre of the image.]

Communicating Europe: A Series on Rights, Access, and Ireland’s EU Presidency for 2026

Dear Reader,

We are delighted to share that we will be launching a new, limited-edition newsletter series from July to December this year - Communicating Europe: A Series on Rights, Access, and Ireland’s EU Presidency for 2026.

This series aims to connect you with information about Ireland’s EU Presidency, disability rights and accessibility at EU level, and how to get involved and influence change.

Each month, our newsletter subscribers will receive a special edition of our Communication Europe series, featuring articles by Níamh Ní Hoireabhaird, as well as facts, resources, and interviews.

As part of this project we will also have new resources available to raise awareness about Ireland’s EU Presidency.

If you aren’t already signed up to our weekly newsletter, you can click this link to subscribe for weekly updates and our Communicating Europe Series.

To keep up to date with this project and others, head over to our website to learn more.

We’d also love to hear your thoughts!

Is there anything you’d like us to explore in this series?

Let us know by commenting below.

Leave a comment

This series is funded by the Communicating Europe Initiative through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

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📰 Sign up here to receive our free weekly newsletter every Wednesday
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

[Image Description: A graphic with a dark blue background depicting a black and white megaphone and the Disability Participation News Hub Logo in the top right hand corner. In the centre of the image, large white text on a pink banner reads: “Oireachtas Access”.]

Oireachtas Access Bulletin

Our Oireachtas Access Bulletin aims to keep you in the loop with the development of law and policy that affects your rights.

Please note that the below schedule is subject to change and does not contain all information on ongoings in the Oireachtas.

Any updates, or a more detailed schedule is available over on the Houses of the Oireachtas website.

📺 Catch Up

📺 Joint Committee on Disability Matters — ”Access to employment for persons with disabilities” — Video Recording with ISL interpretation

Speakers include: Minister Alan Dillon, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Opening statements for speakers are available in PDF format on the “Recent Documents” section of the Committee’s webpage here.

📝 Consultations

Public Consultation on the Pre-budget 2027 Submissions

Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development

Deadline: 15th June 2026

Subscribe now

Subscribe using the button above to receive our Oireachtas Access bulletin every Monday.

Want to support our work?

📰 Sign up here to receive our free weekly newsletter every Wednesday
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

[Image Description: A graphic with a dark blue background depicting a black and white megaphone and the Disability Participation News Hub Logo in the top right hand corner. In the centre of the image, large white text on a pink banner reads: “Oireachtas Access”.]

Oireachtas Access Bulletin

Our Oireachtas Access Bulletin aims to keep you in the loop with the development of law and policy that affects your rights.

Please note that the below schedule is subject to change and does not contain all information on ongoings in the Oireachtas.

Any updates, or a more detailed schedule is available over on the Houses of the Oireachtas website.

Dáil Éireann (live link)

Tuesday, 26th May

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
2:35pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
3pm: Taoiseach’s Questions
7:25pm: Private Members’ Business (Sinn Féin): Motion re Cost of Disability

Wednesday, 27th May

12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
2:10pm: Statements on Ensuring our Skills, Training and Innovation systems keep pace in a changing world

Thursday, 28th May

12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation

Seanad Éireann (Live Link)

Tuesday, 26th May

4:45pm: Statements on Student Accommodation, Student Supports and Research Programmes

Wednesday, 27th May

2pm: Special Address: Address to Seanad Éireann by MEPs representing the European Parliament Midlands-North-West Constituency

6:30pm: Private Members’ Business: Motion regarding Rents

Committee Schedule

Tuesday, 26th May

3pm: Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade — Discuss reform of the United Nations

3:40pm: Committee on Budgetary Oversight — Annual Progress Report 2026

Wednesday, 27th May

9:30am: Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Access to employment for persons with disabilities
Speakers include: Minister Alan Dillon, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

9:30am: Joint Committee on Health — The future of maternity services nationally, including the national maternity strategy and the co-location of maternity services with adult services

9:45am: Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development — Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Social Welfare and Other Matters Bill 2026 [resumed]

Thursday, 28th May

9:45am: Joint Committee on Children and Equality — Discussion on the strategic priorities identified by the Chairpersons of Tusla and the Adoption Authority of Ireland in their roles

📺 Catch Up

📺 Joint Committee on Disability Matters — A representative advocacy service for children with disabilities — Video Recording with ISL interpretation

Speakers include: representatives Inclusion Ireland, Empowering People in Care and Centre for Disability Law and Policy, University of Galway.

Opening statements for speakers are available in PDF format on the “Recent Documents” section of the Committee’s webpage here.

📺 The Joint Committee on Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Accessibility and Assistive Technology — Video recording (no ISL interpretation currently available)

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Want to support our work?

📰 Sign up here to receive our free weekly newsletter every Wednesday
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

[Image: A graphic with a black background featuring the words “Spotlight Series” in colourful, cut-out magazine-style letters. Below, white text reads: “This week we are chatting with…Margaret Griffin.” An image of Margaret sits beside this text surrounded by a gold frame. Images beneath this text include a megaphone, an open book, flowers, a signpost for Tipperary, and a Disability Pride flag. The Disability Participation News Hub logo appears in the top right corner.]

💡 Spotlight Series: Margaret Griffin

We are on a mission to get to know and highlight Ireland’s activists, advocates and allies!

Each month, we will aim the spotlight on incredible changemakers working to advance the human rights of disabled people across Ireland.

We are delighted to share our latest Spotlight Series Edition, where we are chatting with Advocacy and Communications officer with North Tipperary Disability Support Service, and passionate disability rights advocate, Margaret Griffin.

A reminder that you can listen to this edition through the Substack app, or by opening this edition on your browser.

Become a paid subscriber to have early access to our Spotlight Series each month by using the Subscribe button below.

Enjoy this edition and we will be in touch soon! ✨

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About Margaret

Margaret (she/her) is a 35-year-old Advocacy and Communications officer with North Tipperary Disability Support Service, based in Nenagh, living in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary with her husband and their fun-loving two-year-old daughter. As a woman with Cerebral Palsy, she’s passionate about disability rights, accessibility, inclusion, and creating spaces where people with disabilities are heard, valued, and empowered.

Q. Hello Margaret! Tell us a little about yourself and your role.

Margaret: I’m an Advocacy & Communications Officer with a strong focus on disability rights, inclusion, accessibility, and social impact. My work centres on amplifying the voices of people with disabilities, translating complex policy and social issues into clear, accessible communication, and supporting advocacy that promotes representation, choice, independence, dignity, and equality.

I develop and manage content across all digital platforms, share local and national disability news, highlight awareness days, provide information on disability rights and supports, and use storytelling to raise awareness and encourage meaningful conversations around disability and inclusion. Part of my role also involves promoting the valuable services NTDSS provides, including the support offered by our Health Care Assistants, who play such an important role in helping people maintain independence and quality of life within their local communities.

As a woman living with cerebral palsy, I use crutches and a wheelchair in my daily life, and my advocacy is both deeply personal and professional. I’m a wife to my wonderful husband, Jamie, and mother to a busy two-year-old daughter, so life is a balance of work, family, and advocating for positive change in my local community and beyond.

Q. What are you working on at the minute?

Margaret: At the moment, I’m focused on projects around accessibility, inclusive communication, and amplifying disabled voices within our communities. I’m especially passionate about making information more accessible and ensuring disabled people feel represented and included in conversations that affect their lives. I’m also learning every day how to balance work, advocacy, and motherhood — which is a journey in itself!

Q. Anything you are looking forward to this year?

Margaret: I’m really looking forward to continuing to grow both personally and professionally this year. I’m excited about connecting with more people through advocacy work and hopefully helping create positive change, even in small ways.

On a personal level, I’m looking forward to making memories with my little family and watching my daughter grow and discover the world.

Q. What keeps you motivated in your advocacy?

Margaret: What motivates me most is knowing how important representation and visibility are. Growing up, I didn’t always see people with disabilities included in everyday conversations or fully represented in society, and I want future generations to feel seen, heard, included, and valued. I’m also moved by the incredible resilience and strength within the disability community. Seeing people advocate for themselves and others across the country inspires me every day.

Q. What’s your favourite way to unwind and look after your own wellbeing?

Margaret: Spending quality time with my family is probably my favourite way to recharge. I also love quiet evenings with a good Audible book, enjoying a great coffee, or getting out in the fresh air for a short walk on my crutches.

Coming from a social care degree background, self-awareness was always emphasised as an important part of supporting both yourself and others, and that’s something I’ve carried into my everyday life. I really value taking time to reflect and look after my wellbeing through journaling, listening to podcasts, meditation, and making space to slow down when life gets busy.

That said, I also firmly believe there’s nothing better for the soul than a good laugh with friends or family — sometimes the best therapy is a coffee, a glass of wine, a good catch-up, and laughing until your stomach hurts!

Q. Anything people might be surprised to learn about you?

Margaret: One thing people might be surprised to learn is that I was a member of the Irish American Physically Challenged team in 2008. It was an amazing experience that gave me the opportunity to travel, meet incredible people, and be part of a community that celebrated ability, determination, and inclusion. It’s a memory I’ll always treasure and something I’m very proud of.

Q. Any book recommendations for our online Book Club this year?

Margaret: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

Anything by Brené Brown — especially her work on vulnerability and courage.

The Multi-Hyphen Method by Emma Gannon — a really inspiring read about redefining success, creativity, and embracing different parts of yourself.

I love books that are honest, hopeful, and thought-provoking.

Q. Do you have a favourite quote or saying that inspires you?

Margaret: “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” — Dalai Lama

Kindness and loyalty are two qualities I value deeply in life. I believe genuine people, strong relationships, and treating others with compassion can make such a difference in the world.

Q. Where can people find you if they’d like to follow your work?

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ntdss.ie/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585180132771

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Catch us back here next month with another Spotlight edition!

In the meantime…
📬 Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter every Wednesday.
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a not for profit organisation.

[Image Description: A graphic with a dark blue background depicting a black and white megaphone and the Disability Participation News Hub Logo in the top right hand corner. In the centre of the image, large white text on a pink banner reads: “Oireachtas Access”.]

Oireachtas Access Bulletin

Our Oireachtas Access Bulletin aims to keep you in the loop with the development of law and policy that affects your rights.

Please note that the below schedule is subject to change and does not contain all information on ongoings in the Oireachtas.

Any updates, or a more detailed schedule is available over on the Houses of the Oireachtas website.

Dáil Éireann (live link)

Tuesday, 19th May

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
2:35pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
3pm: Taoiseach’s Questions
6:15pm: Private Members’ Business (Sinn Féin): Motion re Evictions and Rent Hikes

Wednesday, 20th May

12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
7:45pm: Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025 — Report and Final Stages

Thursday, 21st May

12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation

Committee Schedule

Tuesday, 19th May

11am: Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence — Recent issues around images, deepfakes and consent

3:40pm: Committee on Budgetary Oversight — Budgetary responses to the energy crisis and cost of living pressures

Wednesday, 20th May

9:30am: Joint Committee on Disability Matters — A representative advocacy service for children with disabilities
Speakers include representatives Inclusion Ireland, Empowering People in Care and Centre for Disability Law and Policy, University of Galway.

9:30am: Joint Committee on Health — Staff morale in the HSE

9:45am: Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development — Potential New Working Age and Targeted Child Payments

Thursday, 21st May

9:30am: Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science — Accessibility and Assistive Technology

12:45pm: Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community — Traveller Accommodation

📺 Catch Up

Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Data and AI in Disability — 13th May — Video recording (No ISL currently available)

Speakers include representatives from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Central Statistics Office (CSO)

Opening statements for speakers are available in PDF format on the “Recent Documents” section of the Committee’s webpage here.

Subscribe now

Subscribe using the button above to receive our Oireachtas Access bulletin every Monday.

Want to support our work?

📰 Sign up here to receive our free weekly newsletter every Wednesday
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

[Image: Poster with orange background, white and blue background. Text reads: “UNCRPD Update. Call for Input from Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Draft General Comment on article 29 of the UNCRPD (right of persons with disabilities to participation in political and public life). Draft Guidelines on identifying and addressing intersectional discrimination against women and girls with disabilities and Draft Guidelines on identifying and addressing disability-based violence. Deadline: 15th June. www.disabilityparticipation.ie”]

📢 Call for Input: Draft General Comment on article 29 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (right of persons with disabilities to participation in political and public life), Draft Guidelines on identifying and addressing intersectional discrimination against women and girls with disabilities and Draft Guidelines on identifying and addressing disability-based violence

⏰ Deadline: 15th June 2026

“The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities invites States Parties to the Convention, organizations of persons with disabilities and other civil society organizations, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and independent monitoring mechanisms, Equality bodies, regional organizations, academia, and all other concerned stakeholders to submit written contributions to the following zero-draft documents:

1. Draft General Comment on article 29 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (right of persons with disabilities to participation in political and public life).

2. Draft Guidelines on identifying and addressing intersectional discrimination against women and girls with disabilities.

3. Draft Guidelines on identifying and addressing disability-based violence.

Inputs received will be used in the adoption of the three documents, namely the General Comment on Article 29, Guidelines on identifying and addressing intersectional discrimination against women and girls with disabilities and Guildelines on identifying and addressing disability-based violence.”

🔗 Find more information and details on submissions here.

Subscribe now

Want to support our work?

📰 Sign up here to receive our free weekly newsletter every Wednesday
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

[Image Description: A graphic with a dark blue background depicting a black and white megaphone and the Disability Participation News Hub Logo in the top right hand corner. In the centre of the image, large white text on a pink banner reads: “Oireachtas Access”.]

Oireachtas Access Bulletin

Our Oireachtas Access Bulletin aims to keep you in the loop with the development of law and policy that affects your rights.

Please note that the below schedule is subject to change and does not contain all information on ongoings in the Oireachtas.

Any updates, or a more detailed schedule is available over on the Houses of the Oireachtas website.

Dáil Éireann (live link)

Tuesday, 12th May

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
2:35pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
3pm: Taoiseach’s Questions
3:50pm: Statements on International Nurses Day
6:15pm: Private Members’ Business (Sinn Féin): Electricity Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2026 (Second Stage)

Wednesday, 13th May

10am: Private Members’ Business (Social Democrats): Reproductive Rights (Amendment) Bill 2026 (Second Stage)
12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation

Thursday, 14th May

12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
6:25pm: Private Members’ Bill: Sanctions against the State of Israel Bill 2025 — Second Stage

Seanad Éireann (Live Link)

Tuesday, 12th May

5pm: Private Members’ Business: Motion re Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Wednesday, 13th May

12:15pm: Motion re the address to Seanad Éireann by MEPs representing the European Parliament Midlands-North-West Constituency

Committee Schedule

Tuesday, 12th May

11:10am & 12:15pm: Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence — Defence, Security and Cybersecurity & Justice and Law Enforcement

3pm: Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration — Detailed Scrutiny: Victims of Sexual Violence Civil Protection Orders Bill 2025

3:40pm: Committee on Budgetary Oversight — Budgetary responses to the energy crisis and cost of living pressures

6:15pm: Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development — Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Social Welfare and Other Matters Bill 2026

Wednesday, 13th May

9:30am: Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Data and AI in Disability
Speakers include representatives from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Central Statistics Office (CSO)

3:30pm: Joint Committee on European Union Affairs — Findings of the 2026 European Movement Ireland EU Poll

Thursday, 14th May

11am: Joint Committee on Health — Committee on Health Report on Adult Safeguarding (Audio Visual Room)

📺 Catch Up

Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Freedom from exploitation, violence, and abuse for persons with disabilities — Video with ISL interpretation

Speakers include representatives from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights.

Opening statements for speakers are available in PDF format on the “Recent Documents” section of the Committee’s webpage here.

Subscribe now

Subscribe using the button above to receive our Oireachtas Access bulletin every Monday.

Want to support our work?

📰 Sign up here to receive our free weekly newsletter every Wednesday
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

[Image: a rectangular graphic with a pink and purple faded background and white stars scattered around the image. Text reads: News Hub Book Club. Our read this month “Contentious Spaces by Rosaleen McDonagh”. Date: 27 June. Time: 7pm. Venue: Zoom. Register via Eventbrite. A QR code along with the logos for the West Midlands Credit Union and Disability Participation News Hub are along the bottom of the graphic.]

Join Session #2 of the News Hub Book Club!

Join us from the comfort of your own home for our second News Hub Book Club Session!

Our News Hub Book Club is a celebration of disabled authors, writers, poets and creators.

Disabled people and allies are all welcome to join us for these relaxed online sessions.
Come along to share your thoughts on this month’s read and connect with others.

Our read this month:
“Contentious Spaces” by Rosaleen McDonagh

“Contentious Spaces is the debut novel from acclaimed Irish writer, playwright and performer Rosaleen McDonagh.

The Traveller families who live in Saint Rita’s are on borrowed time. In just a week they will be evicted by the local council, threatening not only their homes but also their history and the stories that have shaped them. Charlene, a proud young beoir suffers a humiliating betrayal. Her mother, Kate, is left to navigate unbearable loss while holding the family together. Her cousin, Sheena, strives to find her place in a new environment that is quick to dismiss her. Her uncle Tommy fights despair as his teenage son spirals out of control.

As eviction day draws closer, the families struggle to preserve their dignity, finding strength in one another as they navigate an unknown future. Unflinching, Contentious Spaces is a haunting story about identity and loyalty, shame and resilience, grief and love, and the defiant power of voices that refuse to be silenced.”

Find “Contentious Spaces” here.
Don’t forget to check your library for availability too!

Please note: There is no guest speaker for this session.
There’s also no pressure to have read the novel to attend. You can choose any of Rosaleen’s work, or come along and chat about what you have recently been reading.

Book Club Details

Date: Saturday, 27th June
Time: 7pm -8pm
Venue: via Zoom
Cost: Free
Registration: Register through our Eventbrite page
or email info@disabilityparticipation.ie.

Access Information

*ISL interpretation available - please note that if ISL is not requested within 7 days of the event, it may be cancelled.
*Closed Captions available via Zoom
*Cameras optional
*No one will be asked to read aloud or speak during the session

Please reach out to our team at info@disabilityparticipation.ie for any access needs we can support with.

Note:
*Please also note that this is an LGBTQIA+ inclusive, anti-racist and neuroaffirming space.
*Spaces for this event are capped to allow for engagement and facilitation of the sessions - make sure you book your space!

We are grateful to West Midlands Credit Union for their support on this series.

Head over to our website to learn more about our work: www.disabilityparticipation.ie

You can also donate to support our work here.

Subscribe now

📬 Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter every Wednesday.
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

[Image Description: A graphic with a dark blue background depicting a black and white megaphone and the Disability Participation News Hub Logo in the top right hand corner. In the centre of the image, large white text on a pink banner reads: “Oireachtas Access”.]

Oireachtas Access Bulletin

Our Oireachtas Access Bulletin aims to keep you in the loop with the development of law and policy that affects your rights.

Please note that the below schedule is subject to change and does not contain all information on ongoings in the Oireachtas.

Any updates, or a more detailed schedule is available over on the Houses of the Oireachtas website.

Dáil Éireann (live link)

Wednesday, 6th May

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
2:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
7:10pm: Topical Issues

Thursday, 7th May

12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
1:50pm: Statements to mark Europe Day
4:10pm: Private Members’ Business (Labour Party): Motion re Cost of Living Mini-Budget

Seanad Éireann (Live Link)

Wednesday, 6th May

5pm: Statements on International Developments

Thursday, 7th May

1:30pm: Statements to mark Europe Day 2026

Committee Schedule

Wednesday, 6th May

9:30am: Joint Committee on Health — Sexual health services – availability and access to

10am: Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Freedom from exploitation, violence, and abuse for persons with disabilities — Speakers include representatives from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights.

10:45am: Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development — Pre-Legislative Scrutiny on the General Scheme of the Social Welfare and Other Matters Bill 2026

12:30pm: Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy — Building Climate Resilience – Flood Risk Adaptation

12:30pm: Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment — Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of a Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026

12:45pm: Joint Committee on Education and Youth — EU/Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development Education

Thursday, 7th May

9:30am: Joint Committee on Children and Equality — Safety and Well-being of Children Online

1pm: Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community — Traveller Identity, with particular reference to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

📺 Catch Up

Joint Committee on Disability Matters — 29th April — Living arrangements for persons with disabilities: Video recording with ISL interpretation

Speakers include: representatives from representatives from the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities, Wexford County Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Inclusion Ireland, and Independent Living Movement Ireland.

Opening statements for speakers are available in PDF format on the “Recent Documents” section of the Committee’s webpage here.

📝 Oireachtas Consultations

Public consultation on the Pre-legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Social Welfare and Other Matters Bill 2026

Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development

Submission Deadline: 07/05/2026

Subscribe now

Subscribe using the button above to receive our Oireachtas Access bulletin every Monday.

Want to support our work?

📰 Sign up here to receive our free weekly newsletter every Wednesday
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

[Image: Poster on a dark blue background with white text. Text reads: “Traveller Pride 2026. Save the Date. 28th May, 1pm–2pm, Athenry, Galway. Join us in celebrating Traveller Pride Week 2026 with a panel hosted by Emma Ward and Special Guests! Emma Ward. Shane McCarthy. Lee Anna Ward Martin Ward. Booking Essential. Register via Eventbrite. Disability Participation News Hub.” Logos for the Traveller Pride Fund, FBD Insurance and Supermac’s are shown as sponsors/funders. A QR code is included for booking.]

🔔 Save the date

Join us in Athenry this May as we celebrate Traveller Pride Week 2026!

Our event will be hosted by disabled Irish Traveller, writer, freelance journalist and disability rights activist, Emma Ward, featuring a panel of special guests to chat about identity, culture, intersectionality and everything in between!

Date: 28th May
Time: 1pm-2:30pm
Venue: Athenry Community Hall, Cross St, Gorteenacra, Athenry, Co. Galway.

ISL interpretation available.

Refreshments generously provided by Supermacs

Spaces are limited for this event - booking is essential.

🔗Register via Eventbrite

This event is funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, and generously sponsored by Supermacs and FBD Insurance.

🌱 Would you like to sponsor this event?
Get in touch - info@disabilityparticipation.ie

Subscribe now

Want to support our work?

📰 Sign up here to receive our free weekly newsletter every Wednesday
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

[Image Description: A graphic with a dark blue background depicting a black and white megaphone and the Disability Participation News Hub Logo in the top right hand corner. In the centre of the image, large white text on a pink banner reads: “Oireachtas Access”.]

Oireachtas Access Bulletin

Our Oireachtas Access Bulletin aims to keep you in the loop with the development of law and policy that affects your rights.

Please note that the below schedule is subject to change and does not contain all information on ongoings in the Oireachtas.

Any updates, or a more detailed schedule is available over on the Houses of the Oireachtas website.

Dáil Éireann (live link)

Tuesday, 28th April

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
2:30pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
3:05pm: Taoiseach’s Questions
3:50pm: Government Business: Statements on the Consultation process of Our Rural Future Policy
6:15pm: Private Members’ Business (Sinn Féin): Motion re Strengthening Workers’ Rights

Wednesday, 29th April

10am: Private Members’ Business (Independent Technical Group): Motion re Family Law Transparency, Child Welfare, and Reform of the In Camera Rule
12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
2:10pm: Mental Health Bill 2024 — Amendments from the Seanad

Thursday, 30th April

8:45am: Parliamentary Questions — Minister for Social Protection
12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
5:15pm: Private Members’ Bill or Committee Report (alternating weekly): Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Voting Rights in Presidential Elections) Bill 2025 — Second Stage

Seanad Éireann (Live Link)

Wednesday, 29th April

12:45pm: Government Business: Statements on Energy Security
5:30pm: Private Members’ Business: Motion re the Annual Progress Report and Government Response to Energy Price Pressures

Committee Schedule

Tuesday, 28th April

11:30am: Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsmen — Petition No. P00062/25 - Mandatory Mental Health Breaks in Schools

Wednesday, 29th April

9:30am: Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Living arrangements for persons with disabilities — Speakers include representatives from the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities, Wexford County Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Inclusion Ireland and Independent Living Movement Ireland.

9:30am: Joint Committee on Health — The adequacy of radiation oncology capacity in the public hospital system and the need for investment in the renewal and expansion of infrastructure.

10:45am: Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development — Pre-Legislative Scrutiny on the General Scheme of the Social Welfare and Other Matters Bill 2026

12:30pm: Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment — Statutory Review Report, Part 3 of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 (Right to request a remote working arrangement)

6:30pm: Joint Committee on Education and Youth — Key Priorities for the Department of Education and Youth including Inclusive Education

7pm: Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community — Traveller Accommodation

Thursday, 30th April

10am: Joint Committee on Children and Equality — Safety and Well-being of Children Online

12:30pm: Joint Committee on Drugs Use — Engagement with Academic Experts on Legislation, Policy and Practice II

📺 Catch Up

Joint Committee on Disability Matters — 22nd April — Living arrangements for persons with disabilities (ISL)

Speakers include: representatives from Remember Us, Before We Die, Home & Community Care Ireland and Respite & Services Kerry.

The Joint Committee on Disability Matters has published two new reports in recent weeks.

These include:

* Travel Report: Site Visit to Acquired Brain Injury’s Side by Side Clubhouse in Dún Laoghaire (PDF)

* Report on Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill 2025 (PDF)

Find more details, along with recordings of recent sessions on the Committee’s dedicated webpage.

📝 Oireachtas Consultations

Public consultation on the adequacy and availability of sexual health services

Committee on Health

Submission Deadline: 30/04/2026

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💡 Our latest Spotlight Series Edition is out now!

In our latest Spotlight Series Edition we are chatting with disabled advocate, speaker, and Chair of the Mayo Disabled Persons Organisation and founder of Expanding Horizons, Avril Greham!

Our paid subscribers have early access to the edition here.

Subscribe using the button above to receive our Oireachtas Access bulletin every Monday.

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[Image: A graphic with a black background featuring the words “Spotlight Series” in colourful, cut-out magazine-style letters. Below, white text reads: “This week we are chatting with…Avril Greham.” An image of Avril sits beside this text surrounded by a gold frame. Avril sitting in a wheelchair, taking a close-up selfie. She is wearing a teal Mayo GAA jersey with white stripes on the shoulders. Her short hair is styled upwards, and they have a facial piercing below their lower lip. Behind Avril is a bed with a bright, multicoloured patterned duvet, adding a warm and vibrant feel to the room. Images beneath this text include a megaphone, an open book, flowers, a Mayo flag and a Disability Pride flag. The Disability Participation News Hub logo appears in the top right corner.]

💡 Spotlight Series: Avril Greham

We are on a mission to get to know and highlight Ireland’s activists, advocates and allies!

Each month, we will aim the spotlight on incredible changemakers working to advance the human rights of disabled people across Ireland.

We are delighted to share our latest Spotlight Series Edition, where we are chatting with disabled advocate, speaker, Chair of the Mayo Disabled Persons Organisation, and founder of Expanding Horizons, Avril Greham!

A reminder that you can listen to this edition through the Substack app, or by opening this edition on your browser.

Become a paid subscriber to have early access to our Spotlight Series each month by using the Subscribe button below.

Enjoy this edition and we will be in touch soon! ✨

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About Avril

Avril Greham (she/her) is a disabled advocate, speaker, and Chair of the Mayo Disabled Persons Organisation, based in Ballina. She’s spent nearly 20 years working in the public sector and brings both lived experience and straight-talking honesty to everything she does.

She’s the founder of Expanding Horizons, a disabled-led event that puts disabled voices front and centre through real conversations, not tokenism.

She’s also a proud Mayo woman, a loyal Mayo and Liverpool supporter, and someone who values community, good conversation, and saying things as they are.

Q. Hello Avril! Tell us a little about yourself and your work.

Avril: I’m Avril Greham. I’m a disabled person, a speaker, and an advocate based in Mayo.

A lot of what I do comes from lived experience. I’ve spent years navigating systems that weren’t built with disabled people in mind. That shapes how I show up in my work.

I’m the Chair of Mayo Disabled Persons Organisation, and I also run Expanding Horizons. That’s a live event platform where disabled people take centre stage, not as a tick box, but as experts. We’re talking real conversations, real stories, and sometimes uncomfortable truths about what inclusion actually looks like.

For me, it’s about shifting the narrative. Moving away from charity and into rights. Disabled people aren’t passive recipients. We’re decision-makers, contributors, and leaders in our own right.

Q. Do you have any advocacy priorities for the year ahead, what change are you hoping to see?

Avril: There’s a few things that feel urgent right now. First, disabled people need to be in the room where decisions are made. Not consulted as an afterthought, but involved from the start. That applies across policy, services, and public life.

The cost of disability is another big one. People are struggling. The conversation has been happening for years, but we need action now. That means a proper, non means-tested payment that reflects the real, everyday costs of living as a disabled person.

I’m also focused on pushing back against outdated thinking. The medical and charity models still show up in how services are designed and delivered. We need a stronger shift towards the social model, where the focus is on removing barriers, not fixing people.

And on a local level, it’s about building strong, disabled-led communities. Spaces where people feel heard, supported, and taken seriously

Q. What keeps you motivated in your advocacy?

Avril: It’s the people.

The messages, the conversations, the stories people trust you with. When someone says, “that’s exactly how I feel but I never had the words,” that sticks with you.

I also think back to my younger self. The moments of being left out, or made feel like a burden, without understanding why. If I can help shift that experience for even one person coming up behind me, then it’s worth it.

And honestly, I don’t think I could not do it at this stage.

Once you see the barriers clearly, you can’t unsee them. And once you realise that change is possible, even in small ways, you keep going.

Q. Anything you are looking forward to this year?

Avril: Expanding Horizons, without a doubt.

Happening on July 24th in Ballina, Mayo. Every year it grows a bit more, but what I’m really looking forward to is the room itself. We have some great speakers lined up this year. The energy, the conversations, the moments you can’t plan for. When people hear something that lands and you can feel the shift.

I’m also looking forward to building more through Mayo DPO. There’s something powerful about disabled people coming together, not just to talk, but to influence and shape what happens next.

Q. What’s your favourite way to unwind and look after your own wellbeing?

Avril: Music is a big one for me. Always has been.

If I need to regulate or switch off, I’ll stick on music and just sit with it. Lyrics especially. There’s something about finding your own thoughts in someone else’s words.

I also love going out for a good meal with good friends. Simple, but it does the job. Good food, a bit of laughter, and you come away feeling a bit lighter.

I also value quiet time more than I used to. Not every moment needs to be productive. Sometimes it’s just about stepping back and giving your head a bit of space.

Q. Anything people might be surprised to learn about you?

Avril: People might be surprised to know I’ve a real love for drama and storytelling.

I’ve been involved behind the scenes with the Ballina One Act Drama Festival for years, and I’ve also written my own pieces. A lot of it leans into humour, because sometimes that’s the best way to tell the truth.

There’s a freedom in storytelling that you don’t always get in everyday life.

Q. Any book recommendations for our online Book Club this year?

Avril: Born A Crime – Trevor Noah, Brutally Honest – Mel B, Weathering the Storm – Geraldine Lavelle.

Q. Do you have a favourite quote or saying that inspires you?

Avril: “Nothing about us without us.”

It’s simple, but it says everything. Disabled people should be part of the decisions that affect our lives. Not consulted after the fact. Not spoken for. Included from the start.

Q. Where can people find you if they’d like to follow your work?

Avril: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avrilgreham

Instagram: @avrilgreham & @expandinghorizonsie

Facebook: Expanding Horizons https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580477300308 & Avril Greham: https://www.facebook.com/byosh20

Website: www.avrilgreham.ie & www.expandinghorizons.ie

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Catch us back here next month with another Spotlight edition!

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Oireachtas Access Bulletin

Our Oireachtas Access Bulletin aims to keep you in the loop with the development of law and policy that affects your rights.

Please note that the below schedule is subject to change.

Any updates, or a more detailed schedule is available over on the Houses of the Oireachtas website.

Dáil Éireann (live link)

Tuesday, 21st April

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
2:30pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
3:05pm: Taoiseach’s Questions
5:25pm: Private Members’ Business (Sinn Féin): Motion re Special Education
7:30pm: Parliamentary Questions — Minister for Health

Wednesday, 22nd April

10am: Private Members’ Business (Independent and Parties Technical Group): Motion re Earth Day
12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
8:45pm: Health Information Bill 2024 — Amendments from the Seanad

Thursday, 23rd April

8:45am: Parliamentary Questions — Minister for Education and Youth
10:25am: Parliamentary Questions — Minister for Children, Disability and Equality
12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
5:30pm: Private Members’ Bill: Education (Medical Emergencies in Schools) Bill 2026 — Second Stage

Seanad Éireann (Live Link)

Wednesday, 22nd April

4:30pm: Government Business: Statements on Disability Matters
6:15pm: Government Business: Statements on Homelessness (resumed)

Committee Schedule

Tuesday, 21st April

3pm: Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration — Engagement on ‘Tackling Gender-Based Violence’

3pm & 6pm: Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage — Housing Delivery Plans, the Expert Group on Traveller Accommodation and meeting the needs of the Traveller community

3:30pm: Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade — Situation in Afghanistan including human rights and the treatment of women and girls

Wednesday, 22nd April

9:30am: Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Living arrangements for persons with disabilities

9:30am: Joint Committee on Health — Vaccines – policies, availability and uptake

3:30pm: Joint Committee on European Union Affairs — Engagement on EU Presidency Planning: The Irish Coalition for Business and Human Rights

Thursday, 23rd April

10am: Joint Committee on Children and Equality — Safety and Well-being of Children Online

11am: Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence — How Estonia has introduced AI in its education system

12:30pm: Select Committee on Health — Committee Stage Consideration: Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025

📝 Oireachtas Consultations

Public consultation on the adequacy and availability of sexual health services

Committee on Health

Submission Deadline: 30/04/2026

Subscribe now

Subscribe using the button above to receive our Oireachtas Access bulletin every Monday.

📰 Sign up here to receive our free weekly newsletter every Wednesday
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

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Dáil Éireann (live link)

Tuesday, 14th April

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
2:30pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
3pm: Taoiseach’s Questions
7:25pm: Private Members’ Business (Sinn Féin): Motion re Fuel Prices

Wednesday, 15th April

10am: Private Members’ Business (Social Democrats): Motion re Tackling Soaring Energy Costs
12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
2:15pm: International Protection Bill 2026 — Amendments from the Seanad

Thursday, 16th April

12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation

Seanad Éireann (Live Link)

Tuesday, 14th April

5pm: Mental Health Bill 2024 — Report and Final Stages
7:15pm: Health Information Bill 2024 — Report and Final Stages

Wednesday, 15th April

5pm: Government Business: Statements on Homelessness

Thursday, 16th April

11:45am: Mental Health Bill 2024 — Report and Final Stages

Committee Schedule

Wednesday, 15th April

9:30am: Joint Committee on Health — Vaccines – policies, availability and uptake

9:45am: Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development — Further Scrutiny of EU legislative proposal: COM / 2025 / 0842 (strengthening of the framework for occupational retirement provision)

10:45am: Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development — Welfare Supports for the Self-Employed

7pm: Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community — Traveller Accommodation

Thursday, 16th April

9:30am: Joint Committee on Education and Youth — Education needs of Visually Impaired Students

9:45am: Joint Committee on Children and Equality — State provided childcare places and early childcare matters

12:30pm: Joint Committee on Drugs Use — Engagement with Academic Experts on Legislation, Policy and Practice I

Catch up

Catch up on our most recent Oireachtas Access edition where we covered the Disability Matters Committee Report on Inclusive Education for Persons with Disabilities, including links to the report and a recording to watch back.

📰 Catch up here.

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Subscribe using the button above to receive our Oireachtas Access bulletin every Monday.

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🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
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The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

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📢 Reminder: Consultation on Cost of Disability Deadline Approaching Soon

The Department of Social Protection has launched a consultation on the Cost of Disability.

They want to hear your views on two topics:

1. The agenda and format for a Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network Summit.

This will be held on the 13 May 2026, and will be a one-day event where key people and groups meet to discuss the cost of disability and help shape future strategy.

2. Your views on a cost of disability payment and how it should be designed.

📝 Submission Information

The Department would particularly like to hear from disabled people, their families and carers, their representative groups, and Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs/DPROs).

Submissions can be made in the following formats:

* Written
* Video
* Irish Sign Language
* Phone (dedicated hours and phone number available)

⏰ Deadline for submissions: 7th April 2026 (5pm)

🔗 Find full details and submission requirements here

The National Platform of Self Advocates have created a great explainer and template to support people with making a submission.

Have a look here for more information.

More updates like these over on our website www.disabilityparticipation.ie

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Subscribe using the button above to receive our Oireachtas Access bulletin every Monday.

📬 Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter every Wednesday.
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
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The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a disabled-led not for profit organisation.

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💥 Our latest edition is out now!

We’ll be taking a short break next week, so wishing you all a happy Easter.🐣

Enjoy this edition, which is packed with updates and should keep you ticking over with news until we return on the 15th April.

📰 https://mailchi.mp/disabilityparticipation/disability-participation-news-hub-newsletter-6753744

Support us by sharing this edition with a friend, group chat, colleague, or your team’s Slack!

Subscribe now

Subscribe using the button above to receive our Oireachtas Access bulletin every Monday.

📬 Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter every Wednesday.
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☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
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The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a not for profit organisation.

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Sligo Disabled Persons’ Organisation brings complaint about Sligo County Council to the Ombudsman

“Last week, the Sligo Disabled Persons’ Organisation (DPO) registered a complaint against the Sligo County Council with the Ombudsman.

The complaint concerns the consultation process for the Draft Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) Scheme.

DPO Secretary, Aisling Smith, who is also a member of the Public Participation Network (PPN) Secretariat explained, “SPCs are the main committees where the Council gets community feedback about plans and policies. Sligo DPO is part of the PPN Social Inclusion College so these social inclusion seats are how we have our voices heard on the plans and policies that affect us”

DPO Chairperson Ruth Flood said, “We made a reasonable request for a PPN social inclusion voice on every SPC. When this request was refused, we wrote to the council more than once to ask, ‘why?’ but they refused to answer that question. This took our members down a long process of back and forth with the Council, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, a formal complaint to the Council, and ultimately an ombudsman complaint. This is a testament to the tenacity of Sligo DPO members in realising our rights but it’s absurd the lengths our members must go to get a simple answer to a simple question. Community voices should be listened to, and where not, we are entitled to understand the reason for it.

“Specifically, the FOI showed that there were 19 submissions to this consultation. The guidance for the Consultation said that the Corporate Policy Group (CPG) and the Council Executive was supposed to review the submissions and make any amendments. Instead, the Council Executive reviewed the submissions and made amendments alone. The first time the CPG and the councillors saw any of the submissions was one working day before they were asked to approve the new draft scheme. This is an exercise of executive dictatorship where decisions are rubber-stamped rather than the mindful consideration that the process guidance required.”

Sligo DPO public relations officer, Pippa Black referenced the United Nations Convention on the rights of disabled people saying, “We have the right to be consulted, through our representative organisations on matters that affect us. We took this to the Ombudsman because we have a right to participate in these decisions and to see our recommendations reflected in the outcome of decision-making processes. When that does not happen, we have a right to reasons. This was completely denied throughout this process

“These SPCs exist to support community involvement in Council policy-making. And yet, the way this consultation itself was carried out, the Council executive has demonstrated its disregard for meaningful public consultation as well as showing a level of disrespect for the volunteer time put into making these submissions in good faith. We hope the Ombudsman will hold the Council to a higher standard for consultation and remind them of their duty to uphold our UN Convention rights.”

Keep up to date with Sligo DPO’s work here.
You can contact Sligo DPO by emailing: sligodpo@gmail.com

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☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a not for profit organisation.

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Dáil Recess

The Dáil is on their Easter break for the next fortnight, so a shorter update for you today and a break from us next week.

We have some updates from the Disability Matters Committee below to keep you ticking over for now. Expect us back on the 13th April with your next Oireachtas Access Edition.

Our usual newsletter will be out this Wednesday, so we will be back in your inboxes then!

Committee Report on Inclusive Education for Persons with Disabilities

The Joint Committee on Disability Matters met last Wednesday, 25th March, for the launch of their Report on Inclusive Education for Persons with Disabilities.

In an opening statement launching the report, Cathaoirleach Maurice Quinlivan noted that the Committee had undertaken the report while being conscious of Ireland’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), especially Article 24, which sets out the right to education.

“Many witnesses spoke of the dedication and commitment of teachers, SNAs, therapists and principals who consistently strive to meet the needs of children, often in the face of structural challenges. However, the evidence also demonstrates that Ireland now requires a more coherent, integrated and rights-based approach to inclusive education — one that is fully aligned with the UNCRPD and guided by the lived experience of disabled people”

The report covers the input from four public meetings and ten submissions on the topic, including those from Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs). It aims to recognise the progress made and barriers that remain.

A comprehensive set of findings and thirty three recommendations have been made by the Committee. They have been grouped into thematic areas, in line with the UNCRPD and international best practice.

The thematic groups are listed below:

*Legislative and Strategic Reform
*Needs-Based Supports and Assessments
*Access to SLT, OT, Psychology, AAC and Behaviour Supports
*Communication Rights and Irish Sign Language (ISL)
*Inclusive Teaching and Curriculum, Reduced Timetables and Exclusion
*Early Years Inclusion and Transitions Interagency Coordination
*Data and Monitoring
*Governance and Funding
*Wellbeing, Family Support and Mental Health

📺 Catch up on the video of the launch here.
The video begins at the 11:25 minute mark and does not currently have Irish Sign Language Interpretation.

📝You can also find the report in PDF format here.

More information as always over on the Committee for Disability Matters Oireachtas webpage.

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Listen to this article by opening it in your browser or Substack app.

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☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a not for profit organisation.

[Image: A graphic with a black background featuring the words “Spotlight Series” in colourful, cut-out magazine-style letters. Below, white text reads: “This week we are chatting with…Emma Ward.” An image of Emma Ward sits beside this text surrounded by a gold frame. Images beneath this text include a megaphone, an open book, flowers, and a Disability Pride flag. The Disability Participation News Hub logo appears in the top right corner.]

💡 Spotlight Series: Emma Ward

We are on a mission to get to know and highlight Ireland’s activists, advocates and allies!

Each month, we will aim the spotlight on incredible changemakers working to advance the human rights of disabled people across Ireland.

We are delighted to share our first Spotlight edition with you featuring our very own, Emma Ward!

A reminder that you can listen to this edition through the Substack app, or by opening this edition on your browser.

Become a paid subscriber to have early access to our Spotlight Series each month by using the Subscribe button below.

Enjoy this edition and we will be in touch soon! ✨

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About Emma

Emma (she/her) is a disabled Irish Traveller, writer, freelance journalist and disability rights activist who is dedicated to breaking barriers and amplifying underrepresented voices.

Emma’s writing draws on intersectionality of identities and how this impacts types of discrimination. Her work centres on disability, intersectional identity, and social justice.

Learn more about Emma below and be sure to connect with her on socials or follow her work on Substack!

Q. Hello Emma! Tell us a little about yourself.

Emma: I am a disabled Irish Traveller from Galway. I am a disability rights activist, and a freelance journalist. Professionally I love writing, chatting to people and learning about their stories. I especially love it when I’m able to give those people a platform to share their voices and stories. I love being part of the movement of making Ireland better for the next generation of people with disabilities, personally I am a huge music and book lover! If you know me in person, you’ll know I’m never without a book (physical or on my kindle) or listening to a song no matter what.

Q. Is there anything you’re working on at the minute?

Emma: I am, I’m working on a project that I can’t speak about just yet but it’s an exciting opportunity. I’m also working on building my journalism portfolio by writing more articles about many different topics and people. I recently launched my new at home podcast called What’s Happening with Emma on Spotify and Patreon.

Q. Anything you are looking forward to this year?

Emma: I’m looking forward to a lot of things professionally and personally but the one thing that springs to my mind is the project I’m working on; I can’t wait until it’s announced. I’m also looking forward to the Disability Participation News Hub’s new book club!

Q. What keeps you motivated in your activism?

Emma: . I know this is a typical and cliche answer but my nephew Patrick is what keeps me motivated, he’s the reason I became an activist and as he gets older he reminds me to be motivated to make positive change for him and the younger generation of people with disabilities.

Q. What’s your favourite way to unwind and look after your own wellbeing?

Emma: Read a book or watch a movie! Reading is my favorite way of winding down, when you read your imagination literally transports you into a different world and makes you relax in a sense!

Q. Anything people might be surprised to learn about you?

Emma: When I was 8 years old I had halo traction treatment for scoliosis and got the halo removed from my skull being conscious (according to a nurse, I was the first child to do this but I don’t know if that’s really true or not).

When people first meet me I can be really shy! Once I get comfortable though I’m a chatterbox who you’d wish would shut up!

I don’t know if this is a fun fact but due to having a bone marrow transplant, I have two types of blood - Irish and Liverpool!

I’ve spoken at Electric Picnic with Amnesty Ireland!

Q. Any book recommendations for our online Book Club this year?

Emma: Never Know Your Place by Joanna Marsdan and Martin Naughton!

Mixed Up - Leon Diop!

Binding 13 - Chloe Walsh (my absolute favorite fiction book - I recommended it to everyone!)

Q. Do you have a favourite quote or saying that inspires you?

Emma: Nothing’s Impossible, even the word says I’m Possible

Q. Where can people find you if they’d like to follow your work?

Emma: You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Bluesky @emmawardjournalist and follow this link to my Substack and other updates on the work I do: https://linktr.ee/emmawardjournalist

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Catch us back here next month with another Spotlight edition!

In the meantime…
📬 Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter every Wednesday.
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a not for profit organisation.

[Image: A graphic with a black background featuring the words “Spotlight Series” in colourful, cut-out magazine-style letters. Below, white text reads: “Getting to know Ireland’s activists, advocates and allies.” Images beneath this text include a megaphone, an open book, flowers, and a Disability Pride flag. The Disability Participation News Hub logo appears in the bottom right corner.]

💡Coming Soon: Activist Spotlight Series

We are on a mission to get to know and highlight Ireland’s activists, advocates and allies!

Each month, we will aim the spotlight on incredible changemakers working to advance the human rights of disabled people across Ireland.

Our first “Spotlight” will be released this Friday to our paid subscribers on Substack, and then made available in our Wednesday newsletter for all next week.

You can become a paid subscriber by clicking the “Subscribe Now” button below.
Your support helps us keep the lights on as a small non profit powered by volunteers.

Make sure you are signed up to our weekly Wednesday newsletter for more advocacy updates and news.

We’ll be in touch soon! ✨

Subscribe now

📬 Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter every Wednesday.
🌱 Donate here or become a paid subscriber to support our work.
☕ Buy us a Coffee here.
🤝 Become an Access Ally here.

The Disability Participation News Hub CLG is a not for profit organisation.