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For Oral Answer on : 24/03/2022
Question Number(s): 54 Question Reference(s): 15464/22
Department: Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Children; Equality; Disability; Integration and Youth his Department’s plans to update or replace the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) 2017-2022 is one of two whole-of-government strategies in place, which include important measures to support people with disabilities in all aspects of their lives. The other is the Comprehensive Employment Strategy.
Acknowledging the importance of whole-of-government action on disability issues, it is planned that there will be a successor framework. It will have to be framed taking account of the need to prioritise implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In that regard, there are no plans to update the current strategy.
The NDIS is a key framework for policy and action to address the needs of persons with disabilities in Ireland, and to improve their lives in a practical sense. The NDIS specifically supports effective progress in delivering on the obligations set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group, which is chaired by Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte includes representatives of several Government Departments and Agencies and the Disability Stakeholder Group (DSG).
A Mid Term Review of the NDIS was published in March 2020. The Review sets a framework for action on disability from now until the end of the lifetime of the Strategy. It involved a consultation process with disability stakeholders and with relevant departments and agencies. This process confirmed that stakeholders want the emphasis to be on implementing existing commitments within the Strategy and on fulfilling obligations that arise from Ireland’s ratification of the UNCRPD in 2018.
The approach being taken to meeting the obligations of the UNCRPD is one of progressive realisation, each year moving forward on key reforms, with the obligations arising from the Convention being met over time. Initial priority has been given to meeting legislative commitments.
My Department is in the process of developing a dedicated UNCRPD Implementation Plan which will provide a whole of Government framework for action to implement UNCRPD.