Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)

I welcome the publication of the strategy, which is anchored in human rights and our obligations under the UNCRPD. It is worth remembering that when this was ratified, it was my predecessor, the former Minister of State, Finian McGrath, who got it delivered. The progress was slow but I am delighted to see it has been made.

I want to raise one concern that was brought to me by multiple DPOs, which was that engagement in the design of the strategy was restricted to the DPO network. While disabled persons organisations must be central in everything we do in government, multiple DPOs have reached out to me to say they were not consulted, including two in my constituency. I feel the net was drawn too tightly. One of the organisations within the network cannot, under the current structure, be considered a true DPO.

That said, this strategy deserves strong backing. It is going to give us the framework that is needed. However, while frameworks and reports are one thing, the next step is delivery. We must now turn the commitments into action. I welcome that the Minister of State has published the network and that there are major commitments in the programme for Government regarding disabilities.

It was great to see Joan Carty, advocacy manager at the Irish Wheelchair Association, at the launch. I look forward to working tirelessly with Joan when the voices of disabled people are heard and acted upon. That is what we must do. The strategy sets the direction. The challenge for us now is to match it with action and delivery to make an impact.

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