Mayo TD calls for urgent action on disability rights and accessibility

Keira Keogh TD has called for a fundamental shift in how disability is addressed in Ireland, emphasising the need for a focus on accessibility, independence, and opportunity.

Speaking yesterday in the Dáil chamber, she highlighted the challenges faced by people with disabilities and their families and urged the government to seize the moment of sharp focus and drive real action.

“Disability advocacy is not just a policy area for me—it’s deeply personal,” said Deputy Keogh. “For the past 19 years, I have worked in the disability sector, specialising in supporting neurodiverse children, their families, and their schools.

In private practice, I was able to maintain a low caseload, providing weekly support that led to real, measurable progress. Meanwhile, I often found my counterparts in the HSE faced overwhelming caseloads and as a result little job satisfaction. That system is failing those who need it most.”

Keogh outlined some key issues affecting people with disabilities, including:

• Endless waiting lists for essential services

• Lack of respite hours for families and caregivers

• Significant sacrifices by full-time carers

• Bureaucratic obstacles to accessing crucial supports like the Housing Adaptation Grant

Highlighting the responsibility on all to deliver meaningful change, she welcomed the appointment of the new Minister of State with Responsibility for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton, and thanked her for meeting to discuss constituents concerns from Mayo.

Deputy Keogh praised the establishment of a new disability unit within the Department of the Taoiseach as a positive step toward an all-of-government approach to disability. However, she stressed that now is the time to turn commitments into tangible results and reminded the Ministers present that the country was counting on them.

“A cultural shift is needed in how we view disability. Yes, we must provide care and support, but our focus should be on accessibility - access to society, access to independence, and access to opportunities,” she stated.

“If we prioritised accessibility, we wouldn’t force someone to walk across a room to prove they need a primary medical cert, require 24 hours’ notice for a disabled person to use public transport, or place people under 65 with disabilities in nursing homes, these actions strip people of their dignity, freedom of movement and access to community.”