Department of Children, Disability and Equality

We are excited to welcome delegates from across Europe to the High-Level Conference on Disability: Assistive Technology and Accessible Digital Technology – Empowering Participation. An exceptional line-up of speakers will explore how assistive technology and accessible digital technology can support participation, independence and inclusion for disabled people. From Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Children, Disability & Equality Norma Foley and Minister of State with responsibility for Disability Emer Higgins, to leading voices including Ana Carla Pereira, Sinéad Burke, Jack Kavanagh, Kamil Goungor and many others, the conference brings together expertise from government, European institutions, civil society, advocacy and lived experience. We look forward to two days of important discussion, collaboration and shared ambition for a more accessible Europe. #HLCDisability2026 #Ireland2026EU

On 22 October, we will host the High-Level Conference on Disability: Assistive Technology and Accessible Digital Technology – Empowering Participation, bringing together policymakers, researchers, industry experts, disability advocates and people with lived experience from across Europe. The conference will explore how assistive technology and accessible digital technologies can strengthen participation, independence and inclusion. A dedicated CREATE Showcase will highlight innovative organisations and projects supported through the Department's CREATE Fund, demonstrating how technology can enhance participation, independence and quality of life for people with disabilities. Accessibility and inclusion are central to the event, with a range of supports and accessibility measures in place to help ensure all delegates can fully participate throughout the conference. Disability is a core priority for our Department during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Through this event, we will showcase how inclusive and accessible societies enable everyone to participate fully and contribute to Europe's future. #HLCDisability2026 #Ireland2026EU

We're pleased to see Oberstown Children Detention Campus recognised on the European stage, with finalist nominations in two categories at the European Social Services Awards (ESSA) 2026. The awards recognise excellence and innovation in social services across Europe. 🏆 Steps+, is shortlisted for the Digital Transformation and Technology in Social Services Award 🏆 Damien Hernon, Director of Oberstown, is shortlisted for the Leadership in Social Services Award These nominations reflect the dedication of Oberstown staff and partners in supporting positive outcomes for young people. Public voting is open until 26 October. You can cast your vote here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gKQRFiad More information: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ggtVjtMU

The Guardian ad litem National Service had the privilege of presenting a poster earlier this month at the Connect to Protect International Conference in Athens, Greece which focused on how professionals can become more effective in connecting to ensure better outcomes for children and young people. The presentation highlighted the significant contribution of young people’s views in shaping the National Service and the commitment to ensuring their voices and lived experiences remain central as the service continues to grow.

The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has secured Government approval to make a High Court application to search for and publish technical, factual documents relating to burials at the site of the former Mother and Baby Institution at Bessborough.    The archive of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes is subject to a general principle of confidentiality under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004.   No evidence or document given to the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes can be published by the minister or any other party, unless otherwise directed by a court. Read the full press release: https://lnkd.in/gasyAp7z

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley is encouraging families and communities everywhere to take a moment this week to celebrate the childminders who mean so much to them. From providing enriching early learning experiences to creating safe, caring home environments, childminders help children learn, play and grow in confidence every day. They also give parents the reassurance they need to work, study and train, knowing their children are safe, settled and cared for. To find out about events and activities taking place in your area during National Childminding Week, visit https://lnkd.in/eH9khy9E. Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/eJBMpR38

On 28 September, DCDE, the Office of the Attorney General and the Irish Presidency FREMP team hosted a seminar on the dialogue between the CJEU and the ECtHR.   Opening the event, Olive McGovern, Assistant Secretary General at DCDE, highlighted Ireland’s commitment to promoting fundamental rights, equality, participation and inclusion.   Insightful contributions from Ms Justice Suzanne Kingston, Anna Austin and Felix Ronkes-Agerbeek examined judicial convergence, areas of divergence, and the future of EU accession to the ECHR. Speakers highlighted that while differences in approach may exist, both courts play complementary roles in strengthening the European human rights architecture and safeguarding shared values.   A round table moderated by Emanuele Rebasti further explored the importance of cooperation, mutual learning and institutional dialogue in ensuring robust rights protection across Europe.   Thank you to all speakers, participants and organisers for contributing to this important discussion on the future of fundamental rights protection in Europe. Pictured are: (image 1) Olive McGovern, Assistant Secretary General at DCDE

On 22 and 23 October, we will host a High-Level Conference on Disability: Assistive Technology and Accessible Digital Technology – Empowering Participation. The event will explore how assistive technology and accessible digital technologies can strengthen participation, independence, and inclusion across Europe. The Conference will also feature a dedicated CREATE showcase, highlighting organisations that have received funding through the Department’s CREATE fund. The showcase will demonstrate how technology can enhance participation, independence, and quality of life for people with disabilities. Disability is a core priority for our Department during Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026. In placing disability at the heart of the Presidency, we will show how inclusion enables people to live independently, participate fully, and contribute to Europe’s future. #HLCDisability2026 #Ireland2026EU

Deadline next Friday 23 October, apply here: https://lnkd.in/dv9dRPDV We’re inviting children aged 4-15 to show us their creativity through an artwork sharing their vision of an “Ireland of the Future” in the Growing Up in Ireland National Children's Art Competition! Entries must be submitted by 12pm on Friday, 23 October 2026. For competition details, including how to enter and terms and conditions, please see here: https://lnkd.in/dv9dRPDV

Together with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, we were delighted to host the National Youth Assembly on Climate on Tuesday 13 October. Youth delegates from across Ireland came together to participate in discussions on climate action, sharing their perspectives and outlining recommendations for policymakers. Delegates represented Comhairle na nÓg and youth and community organisations nationwide. Secretary General of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality Kevin McCarthy addressed delegates before the morning session kicked off. A huge thank you to all for making it a busy, exciting, and rewarding day!