Faisnéis eagraíochta
Disability Stakeholder Group
Ó An Roinn Leanaí, Comhionannais, Míchumais, Lánpháirtíochta agus Óige
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
The Disability Stakeholder Group (DSG) has been in existence for 15 years. It is an established group recognised for the important role that it plays in the monitoring of the Government’s disability policy and strategies. It is appointed by the Minister of State for Disability. Appointments are on a 3 year cycle. The current DSG is the fifth cycle.
It is a voluntary group of individuals with expertise and lived experience of disability. The group is selected following an invitation for Expressions of Interest to participate in the Group. It usually comprises about 24 members, representing a cross cut of the sector, and includes an independent Chairperson.
Whilst voluntary, members are eligible to have their Travel and Subsistence costs met (in accordance with civil service rates) where meetings occur in person. Meetings are now held routinely online through Zoom and similar platforms. This development provides greater opportunity for geographic spread in the membership across the country.
The current DSG is the fifth DSG. It has an important role in monitoring the implementation of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (NDIS). The NDIS is the key framework for policy and action to address the needs of persons with disabilities in Ireland. Through its actions the strategy supports effective progress in implementing the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with a Disability (UNCRPD).
- Attending meetings of the NDIS Steering Group. This group is chaired by the Minister of State with Responsibility for Disabilities, Ms Anne Rabbitte, T.D and attended by officials from government departments. The group monitors the implementation of the strategy and the DSG bring their expertise and experience to that process. The Chairperson of the DSG provides a report to the Steering Group at each meeting addressing the delivery of the Strategy, and other relevant matters.
- Attending meetings of Departmental Consultative Committees (DCC). DSG members also attend meetings held by individual government departments. NDIS actions relevant to those departments are monitored and disability issues generally are discussed at these meetings.
- Meetings of the DSG. Membership of the DSG meets regularly to examine the progress of the NDIS actions and consider related matters in the sector.
The DSG is not an advocacy, issue based or lobbying group. Its role is specifically to act as part of the monitoring structure of the NDIS and its actions.
- Work in partnership with Government Departments to monitor the implementation of the NDIS;
- Work collaboratively to bring solutions to the NDIS Steering Group including actions which support the effective implementation of the plan;
- Assist in developing a coordinated input, drawing on the lived experience of people with disabilities;
- Assist in monitoring delivery against agreed targets and to bring constructive suggestions for improving implementation;
- Work together to provide coordinated advice; and
- Respect the independence of the Chairperson of the DSG as facilitating the input of the group to the wider NDIS Steering Group
