Department of Children, Disability and Equality

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, has welcomed the publication of an independent evaluation of the Barnahus model in Ireland. The evaluation found that Barnahus is delivering positive outcomes for children and families, highlighting the strength of multidisciplinary and interagency collaboration in responding to child sexual abuse. The report provides strong evidence to support the continued national rollout of this child-centred model. Read the press release: https://lnkd.in/eyQfVNww

€2 million in ESF+ funding has been announced by Minister Norma Foley to support projects that promote equal employment opportunities for women. The funding will support 13 organisations working to remove barriers to employment and improve access to opportunities for women across Ireland. Grants of between €100,000 and €200,000 have been awarded, with further funding expected next year through the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme. Read the press release: https://lnkd.in/eVAVe7WB

Last week, I had the privilege of participating in the "High-Level Conference on Disability: Assistive Technology and Accessible Digital Technology – Empowering Participation", organised by the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. I represented the European Network on Independent Living and had the pleasure to moderate the panel “Assistive Technology in Everyday Life”, bringing together three people I can call friends and are great disabled speakers: Soufiane El Amrani, Alexandre Bloxs and Jakob Rosin. We explored how assistive technology supports Independent Living, education, employment and social participation, but also what happens when technology is unavailable, inaccessible, doesn't work or others decide for us. We also had a lot of fun I have to say! What I really appreciated was the accessibility of the conference, the commitment to the UN CRPD and Independent Living, and the involvement and participation of disabled people - which should be obvious, but it is not always the case. What we all agreed, is that technology is not just about devices and innovation. It is about choice, independence and the opportunity to live the lives we want. In the days of AI, this has a lot of potential but also challenges. That's why it is important we have such discussions. Thank you to the organisers and everyone who made these two days so meaningful! #IndependentLiving #AssistiveTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #DisabilityRights #Dublin

Keynote speaker Jack Kavanagh brought a powerful perspective to our High-Level Conference on Disability: Assistive Technology and Accessible Digital Technology – Empowering Participation, highlighting how assistive technology can help remove barriers, unlock potential and support people to participate fully in all aspects of life. As technology continues to evolve, ensuring it is accessible, available and designed around people's needs remains essential. #HLCDisability2026 Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026

Congratulations to our colleagues in Tusla - Child and Family Agencyon being shortlisted in two categories at the European Social Services Awards 2026. The nominations recognise excellence in supporting children, young people and families, and reflect the commitment of Tusla staff and partners across the country. Public voting is open until 26 October. You can cast your vote here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/drmjPunv

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us today for the High Level Conference on Disability: Assistive Technology and Accessible Digital Technology – Empowering Participation, helf as part of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026. The event brought together representatives from EU institutions, Member States, support organisations, industry, academia and people with lived experience to explore how technology can support participation, independence and inclusion for people with disabilities. From discussions on innovation and accessibility to the inspiring CREATE Assistive Technology Showcase, the conference highlighted the important role that assistive technology and accessible digital technology can play in breaking down barriers and empowering participation across all areas of life. Accessibility and inclusion were at the heart of the event, helping to ensure all delegates could fully engage in the conversations shaping a more inclusive future. Here's a look back at a fantastic day. #HLCDisability2026 #Ireland2026EU Micheál Martin, Norma Foley, Emer Higgins, Sinéad Burke, Jack Kavanagh.

Deadline extended to Monday 9 November! 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!   For full competition details, including how to enter and terms and conditions, please see the link above.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, and Minister of State with responsibility for Disability Emer Higgins today opened the High-Level Conference on Assistive Technology and Accessible Digital Technology – Empowering Participation in Dublin.   Bringing together disabled people, policymakers, researchers and industry leaders from across Europe, the conference explores how digital and assistive technologies can support participation, independence and inclusion.   Over two days, delegates will examine the role of assistive technology in education, employment, communication, mobility, independent living and community participation, while also discussing affordability, innovation and access across Europe.   Read our press release:   #Ireland2026EU #HLCDisability2026

One day to go until we welcome a fantastic range of organisations and projects to the CREATE Showcase at our High-Level Conference on Disability: Assistive Technology and Accessible Digital Technology – Empowering Participation. Running alongside the conference programme, the showcase will give attendees the opportunity to explore innovative Irish projects demonstrating how assistive and digital technologies can support people in everyday life. From communication and education to employment, independent living, mobility and community participation, exhibitors will showcase practical solutions that are helping remove barriers and empower participation for people with disabilities. We're proud to support the CREATE Fund, which is helping organisations develop and deliver innovative assistive technology solutions that empower participation and inclusion. #HLCDisability2026 #Ireland2026EU

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has welcomed the passage of the Employment Equality and Institutional Burials (Amendment) Bill 2026 through both Houses of the Oireachtas. The legislation will require employers with 50 or more employees to report their Gender Pay Gap information through a dedicated Gender Pay Gap Portal, providing a centralised resource for the public to view and compare data across employers and sectors. Read the full press release: https://lnkd.in/e9J66SPJ