ILMI Review of “Securing Ireland’s Future” 

The new Programme for Government (PfG) “Securing Ireland’s Future” presents the five-year plan for policy. development and implementation in Ireland. As a Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO), Independent Living Movement Ireland has reviewed this vital document based on our collective pre-election manifesto Invest in Inclusion – Read pdf version: Invest in Inclusion – Key Political Priorities for Disabled People.

On that basis, there are huge concerns that much of the focus on Disabled People is not about our inclusion in mainstream services, but a large focus is as objects of service provision and segregated services. The launch and resourcing of a whole of Government National Disability Strategy will hopefully address the absence of Disabled People’s lives in Housing, Transport and Health in much of the PfG.

Whilst we as Disabled People do not expect to see our lives referenced in every single line of the PfG, messages about accessibility and inclusion in Public Services would signal the intention of the new Government that they intended to Invest in Inclusion.

That has not been the case. Indeed, in the section on Disabled people and education there is regression to segregated “special” education and worrying references in disability to increasing residential settings. Both are contrary to the implementation of the UNCRPD.

Summary Analysis

Inclusive consultation of disabled people through DPOs

The Government’s commitment to ‘work in partnership with disabled people and their representative organisations in co-designing improvements to services and prioritising what measures are most important to them’ (Pg. 91) fits with the expressed wishes of disabled people to be consulted. That said, the draft Programme for Government (PfG) needs to explicitly mention DPOs as the most authentic voices for disabled people.

Invest on Accessible Housing

The PfG rightly singles out housing as an important area to focus for government. It speaks of accelerating housing supply through different ways including construction, regulation, cutting bureaucratic red tapes, etc. (Pg. 39-46) It is extremely informed by supply side economics in which the benefits of increased housing supply will trickle down to marginalised groups including disabled people. This is far from adequate to addressing the housing needs of disabled people which should be talked through targeted measures on housing and accessibility.

Personal Assistant Services (PAS)

PAS are very critical issues for disabled people as they strive to have choice and control over their lives. The PfG associates PAS with Independent Living (Pg. 92) which is the right thing to do. However, the commitment to increase PAS hours must be backed up by clear quantifiable commitments. Additionally, there must be a better understanding that PAS is not just about access to education but is inclusive of a whole range of needs of disabled people. It is also unfortunate that the PfG did not commit to the much-needed legislative changes on PAS.

Inclusive Education

The PfG lists proposed items to support students with additional educational needs (P.68). This should also be taken as a positive step but cautioning that it offers little to address inclusion of disabled children in mainstream schools. The PfG did not commit to solicit the views of DPOs or consult them on the issue.

Inclusive Employment

Bullet points from third to seventh in Supporting Workers section (Pg. 16) make references to how the PfG intends to make employment inclusive to disabled people. Compared with other issues in the document, these appear to aim better in making employment to disabled people. However, it should be noted that the description of the economy as in full employment does not go in line with the low labour participation rates of disabled people in Ireland compared with other EU states.

Access to Travel

Disabled people call for a number of actions to ensure the transport system is accessible and inclusive to them. Whereas the intention to diversify transport options (Pg.73) helps address transport needs for all, the PfG makes very few commitments which tally with needs of disabled people. For instance, no commitment was mentioned to make public transport accessible by consulting with DPOs.

Recognise Older People

There is a section on older people in the PfG on page 96 in addition to references in other parts of the document such as mental health. The PfG overlooks the issue of discontinuing certain disability supports when people reach the age of 65.

Read the full ILMI analysis of the Programme for Government

Access a PDF or Microsoft Word version on the submissions section of the ILMI website
Go to the ILMI Submissions Page

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Boakai Abu Nyehn, Jr

Community Development Worker

Boakai Abu Nyehn, Jr joined ILMI in September 2024 as community development worker on the Disability Participation Awareness Fund (DPAF) funding project “Engaging Disabled People in Direct Provision” . He is a passionate advocate for disability rights, social inclusion, and development, with extensive experience in working to promote the rights and full participation of disabled people in Liberia. Boakai has served as a consultant on disability and social inclusion for numerous national and international agencies. He has also worked as a Research Assistant on multiple projects with organisations such as Leonard Cheshire Disability and Inclusive Development Centre at University College London, Talking Drum Studio, AIFO-Liberia, and UNMIL, ensuring that disabled people’s needs and perspectives are integrated into their programs.

As a disabled person, Boakai’s lived experience informs his leadership as Assistant Director for disabled people in Liberia. His role focuses on advocating for the inclusion of disabled people at all levels of society, promoting accessible development, and advancing the rights of the community. Boakai holds certifications in International Law and related fields and is a skilled Administrator and Assistive Technology Specialist, committed to using his expertise to create a more inclusive society for all.