Minister Foley Attends EU High Level Conference on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
- Published on: 8 May 2026
- Last updated on: 8 May 2026
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley has been attending the EU High Level Conference on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities: Empowerment and Support in a Community for All, held in Cyprus.
The Conference, hosted by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, brought together Ministers, representatives of EU institutions, international organisations and key stakeholders to discuss how best to strengthen inclusion, empowerment and community-based supports for persons with disabilities across the EU.
Addressing the Conference, Minister Foley said:
“This High Level Conference provides an important opportunity for Member States and EU institutions to reaffirm our shared commitment to the rights, inclusion and full participation of persons with disabilities. Ireland strongly supports a rights-based and community focused approach, ensuring that people with disabilities are supported to live independently and participate fully in society.”
Discussions at the Conference focused on the delivery of inclusive, person centred and community-based services.
Minister Foley highlighted Ireland’s experience in implementing its Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) legislation which supports autonomy, self-determination and legal capacity in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Minister Foley met with EU Commissioner for Equality Lahbib and welcomed the European Commission Communication on Enhancing the EU Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, published on 6 May. She reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to working with EU partners to ensure the Strategy delivers tangible improvements in the lives of persons with disabilities.
Disability inclusion will be a key priority for Ireland during its forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the UNCRPD. Minister Foley met with a variety of EU Disability groups, including the European Disability Federation, the European Network for Independent Living, the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities, Inclusion Europe and Autism Europe.
Minister Foley had a bi-lateral meeting with María Rosa Martínez, the Secretary of State for Social Rights in Spain.
Concluding, Minister Foley paid tribute to the contribution of disabled persons’ organisations and their representatives at EU level, emphasising the importance of meaningful participation by persons with disabilities in shaping policies that affect their lives.
ENDS