DWI Addresses Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Disability (Amendments) Act 2025
Image Description: Amy, a woman with short brown hair speaks during a virtual Oireachtas committee meeting, seated in front of a plain background and gesturing with both hands as she addresses the panel. On‑screen text shows the date, her name, and the session title: “Pre‑legislative scrutiny of a general scheme: Assessment of Need (part 1)” from the Joint Committee on Disability Matters.
On Tuesday, we appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters to discuss the proposed Disability (Amendments) Act 2025.
We were joined by Adam Harris and Michael Flanagan from AsIAm, who also addressed the Committee on the implications of the proposed amendments.
Speaking on behalf of DWI, our co-chairpersons Amy Hassett and Nem Kearns outlined our perspective on the proposed legislation and the broader need to strengthen Ireland’s disability framework in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
In our remarks, we highlighted the importance of ensuring that any amendments to the Disability Act meaningfully reflect the principles and obligations of the UNCRPD, including a stronger rights-based approach to disability policy and service provision.
While acknowledging the intention behind the proposed amendments, we expressed concern that the current proposals represent a missed opportunity to introduce the meaningful change that disabled people in Ireland need and deserve. Amy Hassett and Nem Kearns emphasised that legislative reform should go further in ensuring that disabled people’s rights, autonomy and access to supports are fully realised.
Our submission to the Committee sets out a number of recommendations aimed at strengthening the legislation and ensuring that it better aligns with Ireland’s commitments under the UNCRPD.
Read our full submission here:
DWI’s Submission on the Disability (Amendments) Act 2025 - PDF
DWI’s Submission on the Disability (Amendments) Act 2025 - Word
Watch the session:
Pre-legislative scrutiny of a general scheme: PLS - Assessment of Need meeting 1