Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Fianna Fail)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire agus gabhaim buíochas léi as a bheith anseo tráthnóna. Today, we mark a transformative moment in our national journey towards equality, dignity and inclusion. The launch of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 is not just a policy milestone; it is a statement of values, a commitment to justice and a recognition of the lived experiences of disabled people in Ireland.

This is the first strategy published since Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and it is deeply significant that disabled people themselves have led its development. From the motto, "Equal voices, equal actions, equal futures", to the priorities identified, this strategy reflects what disabled people have told us they need and not what others think they need.

As Fianna Fáil Seanad spokesperson on children, disability and equality, I welcome this strategy wholeheartedly. It is ambitious, inclusive and grounded in the principle that disabled people must be treated the same as everyone else, not differently, better or worse but equally.

As the Minister stated, this strategy is structured around five key pillars, each addressing a critical area of life. I will briefly touch on each of them. The first is inclusive learning and education. We know that education is the foundation of opportunity. This strategy commits to creating a more inclusive education system that respects the rights of every child and young person to access the learning environment that suits his or her needs best. It will improve transitions, support educators and ensure that disabled learners are not left behind. We have made progress by doubling the special classes, expanding special schools and increasing support staff, but we must go further. By 2030, we want to see higher achievement rates and better outcomes for disabled learners.

The second pillar is employment. The disability employment gap remains stubbornly persistent. This strategy aims to close that gap. It expands programmes like the work and access programme and doubles the number of dedicated disability employment advisers in Intreo offices. It promotes hiring in both the public and private sectors and ensures that disabled people receive the right supports at the right time to access or return to work, if that is what they so choose.

The third pillar is independent living and active participation in society. This pillar puts autonomy, choice and community at the heart of the policy. Disabled people must have the right and the means to live where and how they choose, not where anyone else chooses for them. That means better access to housing, personal assistance and support services. It also means full participation in arts, culture, sport and civic life, including political engagement. The strategy commits to improving access to justice and ensuring disabled people are not unnecessarily drawn into the criminal justice system.

The fourth pillar is health and well-being. This strategy will improve access to inclusive, integrated health services, from early intervention to mental health supports and from oral health to audiology. It will ensure that disabled children and their families receive timely services based on need. It will promote safeguarding, dignity and well-being, and it will make sure disabled people are aware of and can access screening services and health promotion programmes.

The fifth pillar is transport and mobility. Mobility is freedom. The strategy takes a whole-of-journey approach, applying universal design principles to infrastructure and services. It will reduce the notice required for public transport and support those who need personal mobility options.We have all seen people at train stations, etc., waiting to be put on a train or bus and it is very degrading. It would be great if a person with a disability could decide to go on any bus or train like the rest of us.

Whether by bus, train, car or on foot, disabled people must be able to move freely and confidently in environments designed with inclusion in mind. These pillars are not isolated. Rather, they reflect a whole-of-life perspective because, as one disabled person said so eloquently, and as quoted by the Minister, a person's life is not divided into Government Departments. That is why the strategy adopts a whole-of-government approach, with every Department and State agency responsible for delivering on its commitments. It is important that every Department works together and every law that is passed is disability-proofed.

Oversight and accountability are built in. The Taoiseach will chair the delivery committee - that is how important this is to our party – which will report every six months. Disabled people will sit on implementation groups. This is not tokenism; it is co-leadership. It is a case of nothing about us without us. That will be put into action.

We must also respond to demographic realities. Disability is increasing among children and older adults. ERSI research shows that 36% of 13-year-olds born in 2008 have some degree of disability. Our service must evolve to meet this growing and diverse need, with mainstream first delivery and universal design at the core.

This strategy is a step change and a chance to do better. It is an opportunity to be better and to ensure that disabled people are seen, heard and respected. It is a chance to build a society in which equal voices lead to equal actions and equal futures. Let us honour the voices that shape the strategy and deliver on the commitments that we make here today. Let us ensure that by working together, the disabled people of Ireland will by 2030 be able to say with confidence that they are equal and feel included.