The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley and the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins have today launched a new €750,000 Power to Participate Fund for Disabled Persons’ Organisations and eligible Civil Society Organisations.
The Power to Participate Fund 2026 will provide grants to organisations led by disabled people to work with Government on policies supporting the National Human Rights Strategy 2025–2030.
This supports Ireland’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to ensure disabled voices shape decisions that affect their lives.
Funding can support assistive technology, training, governance, and organisational growth.
Tap the link in our story for the full press release.
From 1 July 2026, Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Every six months, a different EU country takes the chair of the Council of the European Union. From 1 July, that country is Ireland – for the eighth time. It is a rare opportunity, and one we intend to use.
Swipe to find out more – from how the Council works, to why this matters for Ireland, a look at our Department’s three priority areas of disability, equality, and participation, and what it all looks like in practice.
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality invites expressions of interest from suitably qualified candidates to fill the vacancy of Deputy Chairperson to the Board of the Adoption Authority of Ireland.
Closing date for applications is 15:00 on Tuesday 2 June 2026.
For more information and to apply, see the link in our story.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality @normafoleytd today joined Minister @jameslawlesstd to launch the new UCC–MTU Social Care Apprenticeship programme; an innovative “earn as you learn” model.
Huge thanks to Tusla, the HSE, Oberstown, UCC and MTU for making this important initiative possible.
L-R - Professor John O'Halloran, UCC President; Rosarii Mannion, Director of People & Change, Tusla; Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley; Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless; Deborah Smullen, National Development Lead for Apprenticeships, HSE; Professor Christine Cross, Registrar, MTU and Oberstown Director, Damien Hernon.
7 Weeks to Go until Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Did you know? The Presidency of the Council of the European Union rotates every six months between the 27 member states. Ireland has held the Presidency of the Council seven times since joining the EU in 1973 — and 1 July 2026 marks our eighth time in the chair.
At the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, we will use this Presidency to advance disability rights, inclusion and equality, and the participation of children, young people and others across society in European policymaking.
Each week until then, we will be sharing one fact about how the Council of the EU works. Follow us and get to know the Presidency before it begins.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality @normafoleytd has signed the commencement order for the Guardian ad litem National Service, confirming 23 June as the date when the service will come into full operation.
The new National Service is committed to ensuring that every child in care proceedings is listened to, their views are shared, and their best interests are central to decision making.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin attends The Cost of Disability - Strategic Focus Network Summit taking place in the Aviva Stadium today.
The purpose of the Summit is to support discussion and shared learning to help shape future policy. The Summit will explore both a Cost of Disability payment and the wider cost of disability issues that need to be addressed across Government.
For more information about today’s Summit, visit gov.ie/department-of-social-protection
Disabled people were at the heart of shaping the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030.
As part of developing the Strategy, the Department and the National Disability Authority worked in partnership with disabled people and disability stakeholders to co design a public information campaign. We also asked what the Strategy means to them, in their own words.
The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People is a whole of Government Strategy that sets out how Ireland will advance the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Lived experience is central to both its development and delivery.
We’re proud that this work has been nominated for a Better Public Services Award under Category 05 – Driving Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
You can learn more by visiting gov.ie/DisabilityStrategy, or tap the link in our Stories.
Did you know? If your child is starting school this year, they can get a free book bag from your local library! 📖🎒
The My Little Library Initiative 2026 is now underway, inviting children finishing pre school and getting ready for primary school to pop into their local library and collect a special My Little Library book bag.
Available since Friday 8 May and throughout the summer, each bag includes lovely books for your child to keep, helpful tips for parents, and a special wallet to help them sign up for their very own library card. Families are warmly encouraged to join the library and make reading part of everyday life.📖
Book bags are available in English and Irish and are specially designed to help children and families make the exciting transition to primary school.
A small bag, a big welcome to learning!
Starting school this year? The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality @normafoleytd - TD together with Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht @jerrybuttimer have announced the launch of My Little Library Initiative 2026.
Children finishing pre-school and beginning primary school are invited to visit their local library and collect a free My Little Library book bag.
Available since Friday, 8 May and throughout the summer, the bag includes books to keep, tips for parents, and a special wallet for a new library card. Families are warmly encouraged to join the library. Book bags are available in English and Irish and are designed to help children and families with the transition to primary school.
Tap the link in Stories to read our full press release.
Pictured with Minister Norma Foley
Picture 1 - L-R - Sean and Sam Crowe
Picture 2 - L-R - Aileen Kelleher and Tommy O’Connor
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality @normafoleytd recently met with a range of family support, disability, and respite services during a visit to Limerick. She met with service providers and staff at @southillfrc4 , a voluntary-led family support service that offers community-based supports to children, parents, and families.
Later, she visited Riverview Day Service, a HSE-funded adult day service providing specialised and individualised supports to adults with intellectual disabilities. The service is operated by @rehabgroup and recently transitioned to a new, purpose-adapted facility in Limerick City.
The Minister's visit concluded with a sod-turning ceremony at the site of the new @avistaclg Children's Respite House in Annacotty. This new, purpose-built children's respite facility will expand respite capacity for children with disabilities and their families in Limerick and the wider Mid-West region.
Read our press release at the link in Stories.
On 9 May, we mark Europe Day, which celebrates the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration — the moment that laid the foundations for today’s European Union.
At the heart of the EU are shared values including human dignity, equality, democracy, and respect for human rights. These principles continue to shape cooperation across Europe and are closely reflected in the work of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
Through supporting equality, inclusion, participation and accessibility, the Department works to help build a fairer and more inclusive Ireland where everyone’s rights and dignity are respected.
In 2026, Europe Day holds particular significance as Ireland looks forward to holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, strengthening cooperation with European partners on shared priorities and values.
#EuropeDay #EU2026 #IrelandEU2026 #EUCouncilPresidency
