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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.

Summer recess is now underway, so this will be our last Oireachtas Access update until activities resume in September.

In the meantime, we will keep you up to date with consultation deadlines, as well as extra articles and news for our paid subscribers.

A reminder of our Access Media Series with Disabled Women Ireland, taking place every month from July-November on disabled representation in the Irish Media.

More information and book your place here.

Our regular weekly newsletter will also change to a fortnightly one this August to allow our team some R&R this summer.

Don’t miss our next Disability Pride Bumper Edition on the 29th of July, as well as our next Communication Europe Special Edition in early August.

Sign up here to make sure you’re on the list.

Thank you for your ongoing support, we will be in touch soon!

📺 Catch Up

📺 Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Ageing Complexity and Health Needs of People with Intellectual Disabilities - video recording with ISL Interpretation,15th July 2026

Speakers include: Representatives from the Trinity Centre for Ageing and the Life Course in Intellectual Disability - Trinity College Dublin

Opening statements can be found on the “Recent Documents” section of the Committee’s website here.

📺 Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development — Engagement on Pre-Budget Submissions resumed, 15th July 2026

Speakers include: Representatives from The Wheel, Irish Rural Link and County Tipperary Chamber

Opening statements can be found on the “Recent Documents” section of the Committee’s website here.

📺 Joint Committee on Education and Youth — Inclusive Education: Allocation, Roles, and Training Needs of Special Education Teachers (SETs) and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), 16th July 2026

Speakers include: Representatives from National Council for Special Education (NCSE), Oide and Department of Education and Youth

Opening statements can be found on the “Recent Documents” section of the Committee’s website here.

📝 Reports

📝 Committee on Disability Matters - Travel Report: Attendance at the 19th Session of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities June 2026 - PDF Format - 17th July 2026

📝 Committee on Disability Matters - Travel Report: Site Visit to Limerick Disability Service Providers - PDF Format - 17th July 2026

Subscribe now

Are you signed up for our free weekly newsletter?

Every Wednesday, we share the latest disability advocacy news with 400+ readers in our free newsletter to support information sharing, participation and advocacy.

This newsletter isn’t shared through our Substack, but you can sign up here to have it delivered to you every week.

📢 Extra, Extra!

We have launched our News Hub Extra for paid subscribers to access extra News, Articles and Announcements.

Support us in our mission and become a paid subscriber for the cost of a coffee per month ☕

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.

The information below contains live links for each session.

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, 14th July

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
2:35pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
3pm: Motion without debate — Motion re Report of the Committee on Standing Orders and Dáil Reform Establishing Special Committee on Preventing and Responding to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
3:05pm: Statement of Apology following the publication of the Report of the South East Commission of Investigation
5:25pm: Domestic Violence Judgments Register Bill 2026 — Second Stage (Jennie’s Law)
7:15pm: Private Members’ Business (Sinn Féin): Motion re Protecting the Copyright of Irish Artists in the era of Artificial Intelligence

Wednesday, 15th July

10am: Labour Party: Motion re Digital Divide and Back to School Costs
12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
1:10pm: Referral to Committee: Victims of Sexual Violence Civil Protection Orders Bill 2025 — Order for Committee Stage
1:15pm: Taoiseach’s Questions
4pm: Domestic Violence Judgments Register Bill 2026 — Committee and remaining Stages (Jennie’s Law)
9:30pm: Provision of Contraception Prescribing Service in Retail Pharmacy Businesses Bill 2026 — Committee and remaining Stages
10pm: Deferred Divisions: Social Housing Passport Bill 2026 — Second Stage (Amendment)

Thursday, 16th July

12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
1:50pm: Statements on the Fiscal Implications of a United Ireland

Seanad Éireann (live link)

Tuesday, 14th July

3:45pm: Housing and Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 — Committee and remaining Stages

Wednesday, 15th July

12:45pm: Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 — Committee and remaining Stages
4pm: Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2026 — Committee and remaining Stages
8pm: Motion re protecting rural Ireland

Thursday, 16th July

11:30am: Health (Provision of Contraception Prescribing Service in Retail Pharmacy Businesses) Bill 2026 — All Stages

Committee Schedule

Wednesday, 15th July

9:30am: Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Ageing Complexity and Health Needs of People with Intellectual Disabilities

Speakers include: Representatives from the Trinity Centre for Ageing and the Life Course in Intellectual Disability - Trinity College Dublin

9:45am: Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development — Engagement on Pre-Budget Submissions resumed

Thursday, 16th July

9:45am: Joint Committee on Education and Youth — Inclusive Education: Allocation, Roles, and Training Needs of Special Education Teachers (SETs) and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)

9:45am: Joint Committee on Children and Equality — Child Protection Matters and Special Care and Special Emergency Care Arrangements

1pm: Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community —- Traveller Accommodation

📺 Catch Up

🔎 Dáil Debate — Social Democrats: Motion re A Place Called Home for Adults with an Intellectual Disability, 8th July 2026

🔎 Dáil Debate — Government Statements on Dementia, 9th July 2026

📺 Joint Committee on Health — How hospital emergency departments respond to patients presenting with mental health issues, video recording, 8th July 2026

Opening statements from the speakers can be found on the “Recent Documents” section of the Committee’s webpage here.

📺 Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development — Engagement on Pre-Budget Submissions, video recording, 8th July 2026

Speakers include: Representatives from Disability Federation of Ireland, AsIAm and Vision Ireland.

Opening statements from the speakers can be found on the “Recent Documents” section of the Committee’s webpage here.

📺 Joint Committee on Education and Youth — Inclusive Education: Allocation, Roles, and Training Needs of Special Education Teachers (SETs) and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), video recording, 8th July 2026

Opening statements from the speakers can be found on the “Recent Documents” section of the Committee’s webpage here.

Subscribe now

Are you signed up for our free weekly newsletter?

Every Wednesday, we share the latest disability advocacy news with 400+ readers in our free newsletter to support information sharing, participation and advocacy.

This newsletter isn’t shared through our Substack, but you can sign up here to have it delivered to you every week.

📢 Extra, Extra!

We have launched our News Hub Extra for paid subscribers to access extra News, Articles and Announcements.

Support us in our mission and become a paid subscriber for the cost of a coffee per month ☕

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.

The information below contains live links for each session.

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, 7th July

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
2:35pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
3:05pm: Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2026 — Report and Final Stages
7:30pm: Private Members’ Business (Sinn Féin): Planning for Constitutional Change Bill 2026 (Second Stage)

Wednesday, 8th July

10am: Social Democrats: Motion re A Place Called Home for Adults with an Intellectual Disability
12pm: Leaders’ Questions
1:10pm: Statements and Q&A post European Council meeting of 18th-19th June 2026, pursuant to Standing Order 133

Thursday, 9th July

10:25am: Parliamentary Questions — Minister for Health
12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
1:50pm: Statements on Dementia
4:15pm: Health (Provision of Contraception Prescribing Service in Retail Pharmacy Businesses) Bill 2026 — Second Stage
7:10pm: Private Members’ Bill: Social Housing Passport Bill 2026 — Second Stage

Seanad Éireann (live link)

Wednesday, 8th July

4pm: Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 — Second Stage

Thursday, 9th July

11:30am: Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2026 — Second Stage

Committee Schedule

Wednesday, 8th July

9:30am: Joint Committee on Health — How hospital emergency departments respond to patients presenting with mental health issues

10am: Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development — Engagement on Pre-Budget Submissions

Speakers include: Representatives from Disability Federation of Ireland, AsIAm and Vision Ireland.

12:30pm: Joint Committee on Education and Youth — Inclusive Education: Allocation, Roles, and Training Needs of Special Education Teachers (SETs) and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)

4:30pm: Joint Committee on European Union Affairs — Priorities of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union: Social Policy Issues

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

Thursday, 9th July

9:30am: Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science — Sexual Violence and Harassment Policies and Procedures in Higher Education Institutions

9:45am: Joint Committee on Children and Equality — Engagement with the Children’s Residential and Aftercare Voluntary Association (CRAVA)

📺 Catch Up

📺 Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Transport for persons with disabilities — Video recording with ISL interpretation, 1st July 2026

Speakers include: Representatives from Irish Rail and Bus Éireann

Opening statements from the speakers can be found on the “Recent Documents” section of the Committee’s webpage here.

📺 Joint Committee on Children and Equality — Ireland’s pathway to incorporation of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child into Irish Law — video recording, no ISL interpretation currently available, 2nd July 2026

• Opening statement, Dr. Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, Ombudsman for Children’s Office here (PDF)

• Joint Committee on Children and Equality, Report on Child Poverty and Deprivation — Report on Child Poverty and Deprivation

📺 Joint Committee on Education and Youth — Inclusive Education: Allocation, Roles, and Training Needs of Special Education Teachers (SETs) and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) — Video Recording — no ISL interpretation currently available, 2nd July 2026

Speakers include: Representatives from the Irish Primary Principals’ Network, National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), Education and Training Boards Ireland, Joint Managerial Body, Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools, National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education, National Principals’ Forum.

🔎 Dáil Éireann debate - Private Members’ Business (Independent Technical Group): Motion re Cost of Living - 1st July

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📰 Catch up on our most recent Bumper Edition!

Find info on consultations, rights updates, calls for participation, and much more.

An extra long edition to enjoy alongside your cup of tea/coffee ☕

Catch up here, or the QR code in the image above.

Are you signed up for our free weekly newsletter?

Every Wednesday, we share the latest disability advocacy news with 400+ readers in our free newsletter to support information sharing, participation and advocacy.

This newsletter isn’t shared through our Substack, but you can sign up here to have it delivered to you every week.

📢 Extra, Extra!

We have launched our News Hub Extra for paid subscribers to access extra News, Articles and Announcements.

Support us in our mission and become a paid subscriber for the cost of a coffee per month!

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.

The information below contains live links for each session.

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, 30th June

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
2:35pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
3:05pm: Taoiseach’s Questions
7:50pm: Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 — Committee and remaining Stages
9:50pm: Private Members’ Business (Sinn Féin): Motion re Childcare

Wednesday, 1st July

10am: Private Members’ Business (Independent Technical Group): Motion re Cost of Living
6:30pm: Statements on Ireland’s EU Presidency

Thursday, 2nd July

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

Seanad Éireann (live link)

Wednesday, 1st July

6:30pm: Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 — Second Stage

Committee Schedule

Tuesday, 30th June

11am: Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence — The Environment

Wednesday, 1st July

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

Speakers include: Representatives from Irish Rail and Bus Éireann

9:30am: Joint Committee on Health — Public Only Consultant Contract (POCC) in the Rotunda Hospital and in Cork University Maternity Hospital, and related issues arising

10am: Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development — Engagement on Pre-Budget Submissions

Speakers include: Representatives from Rehab Group and the European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland

Thursday, 2nd July

9:30am: Joint Committee on Children and Equality — Ireland’s pathway to incorporation of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child into Irish Law

9:45am: Joint Committee on Education and Youth — Inclusive Education: Allocation, Roles, and Training Needs of Special Education Teachers (SETs) and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)

Speakers include: Representatives from the Irish Primary Principals’ Network, National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), Education and Training Boards Ireland, Joint Managerial Body, Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools, National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education, National Principals’ Forum.

10am: Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration — Launch of the Report on ‘Civil Legal Aid’ (Audio Visual Room)

1pm: Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community — Current Conditions of the Traveller Accommodation sites on Dunsink Lane and the Proposed Development

📺 Catch Up

📺 Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Breaking Barriers-Disability and financial inclusion — Video recording, no ISL currently available

Speakers include: Representatives from Banking and Payments Federation Ireland and Sage Advocacy

Opening statements from the speakers can be found on the “Recent Documents” section of the Committee’s webpage here.

📺 Joint Committee on Education and Youth — Inclusive Education: Allocation, Roles, and Training Needs of Special Education Teachers (SETs) and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) — Video Recording, no ISL currently available

Speakers include: Representatives from the National Parents’ Council and Save Our SNAs.

Opening statements from the speakers can be found on the “Recent Documents” section of the Committee’s webpage here.

Are you signed up for our free weekly newsletter?

Every Wednesday, we share the latest disability advocacy news with 400+ readers in our free newsletter to support information sharing, participation and advocacy.

This newsletter isn’t shared through our Substack, but you can sign up here to have it delivered to you every week.

📢 Extra, Extra!

We have launched our News Hub Extra for paid subscribers to access extra News, Articles and Announcements.

Support us in our mission and become a paid subscriber for the cost of a coffee per month!

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.

The information below contains live links for each session.

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, 23rd June

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
10pm: Parliamentary Questions — Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

Wednesday,24th June

12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
1:10pm: Taoiseach’s Questions
3pm: Statements on Pride
5:20pm: Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 — Second Stage

Thursday, 25th June

8:45am: Parliamentary Questions — Tánaiste and Minister for Finance
10:25am: Parliamentary Questions — Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage
12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation

Seanad Éireann (live link)

Tuesday, 23rd June

8pm: Government Business: Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025 — Committee Stage

Wednesday, 24th June

12:45pm: Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026 — Second Stage
6pm: Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 — Second Stage

Thursday, 25th June

12:45pm: Domestic Violence Judgments Register Bill 2026 — Committee and remaining Stages

Committee Schedule

Tuesday, 23rd June

11:30am: Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsmen — Petition No. P00017/26 - Discuss Severe Lack of Services and Facilities for People and Families of those living with Intellectual Disabilities

6pm: Select Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage — Committee Stage Consideration: Housing and Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026

6pm: Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade — Committee Stage Consideration: Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2026 — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Wednesday, 24th June

9:30am: Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Breaking Barriers-Disability and financial inclusion

Speakers include: Representatives from Banking and Payments Federation Ireland and Sage Advocacy

9:30am: Joint Committee on Health — Recent significant developments and issues in relation to health services.

9:45am: Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development — Pathways to Inclusive Employment – Workability Programmes

12:30pm: Joint Committee on Education and Youth — Inclusive Education: Allocation, Roles, and Training Needs of Special Education Teachers (SETs) and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)

Thursday, 25th June

9:30am: Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science — Sexual Violence and Harassment Policies and Procedures in Higher Education Institutions

12:30pm: Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade — Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade

📺 Catch Up

📺 Joint Committee on Disability Matters — ”Counting the Cost - Disability and financial independence” — Video Recording, 17th June, no ISL currently available.

Speakers include: Representatives from Rehab Group, AsIAm, and the Irish Wheelchair Association

Opening statements from the speakers can be found on the “Recent Documents” section of the Committee’s webpage here.

🔍 Catch Up

*Dáil Éireann debate - Tuesday, 16 Jun 2026 - Health (Abolition of Three Day Wait Rule) (Amendment) Bill 2026: Second Stage

*Find the Health (Abolition of Three Day Wait Rule) (Amendment) Bill 2026 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, 16th June

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
2:35pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
3pm: Motion without debate: Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Data Protection Act 2018 (Sections 51(3) and 60(6)) (Scoping Exercise in response to requests from Dignity4Patients) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
3:05pm: Taoiseach’s Questions
7:25pm: Private Members’ Business (Sinn Féin): Health (Abolition of Three Day Wait Rule) (Amendment) Bill 2026 (Second Stage)

Wednesday, 17th June

10am: Private Members’ Business (Labour Party): Motion re Data Centres, energy use and climate change
12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
4:10pm: Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026 — Report and Final Stages

Thursday, 18th June

8:45am: Parliamentary Questions — Minister for Social Protection
12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
1:50pm: Statements on Rare Diseases
5:15pm: Committee Report: Motion re Report entitled “Report on Inclusive Education for Persons with Disabilities”

Seanad Éireann (live link)

Tuesday, 16th June

4:45pm: Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025 — Second Stage
6pm: Domestic Violence Judgments Register Bill 2026 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage

Wednesday, 17th June

5pm: Statements to mark Irish AIDS Day 2026

Committee Schedule

Tuesday, 16th June

11:00am: Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence — The Environment (ii)

3pm: Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage — Unlocking Barriers to the Delivery of Housing

6:30pm: Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsmen — Consideration of Public Petition No. P00032/25 - Review of Inaccessible Public-Facing Buildings in Ireland

Wednesday, 17th June

9:30am: Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Counting the Cost - Disability and financial independence

Speakers include: Representatives from Rehab Group, AsIAm, and the Irish Wheelchair Association

9:30am: Joint Committee on Health — Committee Stage Consideration: Health (Amendment) Bill 2025

12:30pm: Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science — Sexual Violence and Harassment Policies and Procedures in Higher Education Institutions

12:30pm: Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy — Climate Action Plan

Thursday, 18th June

9:45am: Joint Committee on Education and Youth — Inclusive Education: Allocation, Roles, and Training Needs of Special Education Teachers (SETs) and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)

10am: Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage — Launch of the Housing Committee report on Homelessness (Audio Visual Room)

1pm: Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community — Traveller Accommodation

📺 Catch Up

🔎 Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development — Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network Summit

Catch up on the opening statement from the Minister for Social Protection here (PDF).

📝 Consultations

Public Consultation on the Pre-budget 2027 Submissions

Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development

Deadline: 5pm, 15th June 2026

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, 9th June

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
2:35pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
3pm: Taoiseach’s Questions

Wednesday, 10th June

12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
4:30pm: Government Business: Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2026 — Second Stage

Thursday, 11th June

12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
1:50pm: Housing and Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 — Second Stage
6:25pm: Private Members’ Bill: Protection of Voice and Image Bill 2025 — Second Stage

Committee Schedule

Tuesday, 9th June

11:15am: Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence — The Environment

11:30am: Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsmen — Consideration of Public Petitions:

*Consideration of Public Petition No. P00015/26 - Prohibition of the Commercial Use of Protected Disability Diagnoses in Business Naming

*Consideration of Public Petition No. P00017/26 - Discuss Severe Lack of Services and Facilities for People and Families of those living with Intellectual Disabilities

Wednesday, 10th June

9:30am: Joint Committee on Health — Health strategy in relation to the aging population, including the development of care options other than nursing homes

9:45am: Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development — Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network Summit

Speakers include: Minister Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht; and Social Protection, Department of Social Protection

Thursday, 11th June

9:30am: Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy — Ireland’s EU Presidency, Circularity and Bioeconomy

📺 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.

🔎 Dáil Debates

Sinn Féin Motion on Cost of Disability - Debate Transcript - 26th May 2026

📝 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.

📺 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

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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 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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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.

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

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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 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.

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

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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 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

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

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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 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

Subscribe now

💡 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.

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.

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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.

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 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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Dáil Éireann (live link)

Tuesday, 24th March

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
2:30pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
3pm: Taoiseach’s Questions
7:20pm: Private Members’ Business (Sinn Féin): Motion re Cancer Services

Wednesday, 25th March

12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
6:45pm: Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2026 — Report and Final Stages

Thursday, 26th March

12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
1:50pm: Statements on the Bessborough Development
5:15pm: Private Members’ Bill: Organisation of Working Time (Leave for Health Screening Purposes) Bill 2025 — Second Stage

Seanad Éireann (Live Link)

Wednesday, 25th March

1pm: International Protection Bill 2026 — Report and Final Stages

Thursday, 26th March

11:45am: Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2026 — All Stages
and
Motion re the earlier signature of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2026

Committee Schedule

Tuesday, 24th March

11am: Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence — Justice and Law Enforcement (ii)

3pm: Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration — Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of a General Scheme: Civil Reform Bill 2025

6pm: Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage — Housing Crisis in the Gaeltachta

Wednesday, 25th March

9:30am: Joint Committee on Health — Issues related to the completion of the National Children’s Hospital and preparations for bringing it into use

10:30am: Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Report Launch - Inclusive Education for Persons with Disabilities

12:45pm: Joint Committee on Education and Youth — Education needs of Visually Impaired Students

Thursday, 26th March

12:30pm: Joint Committee on Drugs Use — Engagement on Civil society perspectives on legislation, policy and practice

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

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Dáil Éireann (live link)

Wednesday, 18th March

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
2:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
3:10pm: Taoiseach’s Questions
3:30pm: Statements on International Women’s Day
5:50pm: Private Members’ Business (Sinn Féin): Motion re Energy and Fuel Costs

Thursday, 19th March

12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
5:30pm: Private Members’ Business (Independent Technical Group): Motion re Structural Reform of Child Welfare Governance

Seanad Éireann (Live Link)

Wednesday, 18th March

3:45pm: International Protection Bill 2026 — Committee Stage

Thursday, 19th March

12:15pm: International Protection Bill 2026 — Committee Stage (resumed)

Committee Schedule

Wednesday, 18th March

9:30am: Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Pre-legislative scrutiny of a general scheme: Pre-Legislative Scrutiny - Assessment of Need (Part 1)

10:45am: Joint Committee on Disability Matters — Pre-legislative scrutiny of a general scheme: Pre-Legislative Scrutiny - Assessment of Need (Part 2)

10:30am: Joint Committee on Health — Access to health services and treatments for allergies

Thursday, 19th March

9:30am: Joint Committee on Children and Equality — State provided childcare places and early childcare matters

9:45am: Joint Committee on Education and Youth — The Provision of Special Education

12:30pm: Select Committee on Disability Matters — Committee Stage Consideration: Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2026

12:30pm: Joint Committee on Drugs Use — Engagement on Civil society perspectives on legislation, policy and practice

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The Oireachtas schedules are clear this week, but we have got a few bits for you to catch up on in the meantime.

Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill 2025.

The Committee on Disability Matters held three sessions over two days last week on Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill 2025.

Session #1, held on the 3rd March, heard from representatives from Disabled Persons’ Organisations Disabled Women Ireland and AsIAm on the General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Assessment of Need structure and process.

Find the opening statement by Disabled Women Ireland here in (PDF) format.
Find the opening statement by AsIAm here in PDF format.

Session #2, held on the same day, heard from representatives from Disability Federation Ireland, St. Gabriel’s Foundation and Enable Ireland on the same topic.

Find the opening statement by Disability Federation Ireland here in PDF format.
Find the opening statement by Enable Ireland here in PDF format.

Both sessions are available through the same recording link here - no ISL version available at this date.

Session #3 was held on the 4th March, with representatives from the Ombudsman for Children’s Office, The Psychological Society of Ireland and the Centre for Disability Law and Policy of the University of Galway.

Find the opening statement from the Centre for Disability Law and Policy of the University of Galway in PDF format.

Find the opening statement from The Psychological Society of Ireland in PDF format here.

Find the opening statement from the Ombudsman for Children’s Office in PDF format here.

Find the recording of Session #3 through this link - no ISL version available at this date.

Provision of Special Education and the Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Allocation Review

The Committee on Education and Youth, which shadows the Department of Education and Youth, also met last week on the Provision of Special Education and the Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Allocation Review.

The Committee heard from representatives from the Department of Education and Youth and National Council for Special Education.

Find the opening statement from the CEO of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in PDF format here.

Find the opening statement from the Principal Officer of Special Education in the Department of Education and Youth in PDF format.

You can find the recording of this session here - no ISL version available at this date.

Bills for Discussion

And finally, some Bills that continued through the Oireachtas last week included:

Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2026
International Protection Bill 2026
Health Information Bill 2024

As always, we will have more news on consultations and advocacy in our newsletter this week - make sure you are signed up to receive it directly to your inbox!

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.
🌱 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 hand holding a megaphone and the Disability Participation News Hub Logo in the top right hand corner. In the centre of the image, large white text reads: “Oireachtas Access”.]

Dáil Éireann (live link)

Tuesday, 24th February

2pm: Leaders’ Questions
2:35pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
3pm: Taoiseach’s Questions
6:15pm: Private Members’ Business (Sinn Féin): Motion re Special Needs Assistants

Wednesday, 25th February

10am: Private Members’ Business (Social Democrats): Motion re Expanding Access to General Practitioner Care
12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
1:10pm: Government Business: Statements on Special Needs Assistants
3:35pm: Government Business: Apology related to childhood abuse (hunger strikers) Statements
6:20pm: Government Business: International Protection Bill 2026 — Committee and remaining Stages

Thursday, 26th February

8:45am: Parliamentary Questions — Minister for Social Protection
12pm: Leaders’ Questions
12:45pm: Questions on Policy or Legislation
6:25pm: Motion re Report entitled “First Interim Report” of the Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence

Seanad Éireann (Live Link)

Tuesday, 24th February

5:45pm: Government Business: Statements on the National Volunteering Strategy

Wednesday, 25th February

6pm: Government Business: Statements on Seachtain na Gaeilge
7pm: Private Members’ Business: Institutional Burials (Amendment) Bill 2022 — Second Stage

Committee Schedule

Tuesday, 24th February

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

3pm: Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage — Changing demographics, depopulation in rural Ireland and housing strategy

Wednesday, 25th February

9:30am: Joint Committee on Disability Matters — 2026 Revised Estimates for Public Services: Vote 40 — Children, Disability and Equality

9:30am: Joint Committee on Health — National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026

9:45am: Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science — Launch of the Joint Committee Report on Apprenticeships

12:30pm: Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport — Further consideration of Regulation of online platforms and supports to improve safety and participation

2:20pm: Joint Committee on Education and Youth — Briefing on the Interim additional time measure for students with specific needs sitting State examinations in 2026

Thursday, 26th February

9:30am: Joint Committee on Children and Equality — State provided childcare places and early childcare matters

12:30pm: Joint Committee on Drugs Use — Engagement on Legal and Policy Responses to Drug Use: Criminal Justice and Public Health Perspectives

Subscribe now

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

🌱 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.