Fine Gael conference hears from people with disabilities on accessibility and inclusion  

The challenges and opportunities for people with disabilities is the focus of a Fine Gael conference this weekend.

Fine Gael is holding its first Disability Network Conference in Galway today (Saturday), where people with disabilities, advocates and carers have been invited to discuss the issues facing people with disabilities in Ireland and to outline their experiences.

An Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister Emer Higgins, along with advocates and activists in the disability sector are listening to and engaging with people with disabilities who are leading the conversation.

The voices and lived experiences of people with disabilities and advocates is at the heart of the event, and the conference is co-designed and co-led with people with disabilities.

The conference will discuss accessibility and inclusion in employment and in democracy, with a focus on how more participation of people with disabilities in societal and political life can be brought about.

Panels will also include discussions on how to increase education, training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

An Tánaiste Simon Harris said: “This conference is about listening to the lived experiences of people with disabilities, their families, carers and advocates, and ensuring those voices shape the decisions we make.

“Accessibility and inclusion are not optional extras; they are fundamental to a fair democracy, a strong workforce and a society that values participation from everyone.

“We ensured the largest ever investment in disability services in Budget 2026, boosting supports across education, independent living and participation so more people can thrive in their communities. But there is always more to do.

“We’re driving a whole-of-Government approach, working across departments and with people to shape policy and practice that genuinely reflects their needs.

“Our responsibility as a Government is to translate lived experience into action, whether it is in education, in employment, or in public life and to do this so that people with disabilities can participate fully and equally in our society. That is a commitment I take seriously, and one we will continue to prioritise as a Government.”

Minister Emer Higgins said: “As Minister of State with special responsibility for Disability, I am delighted to see Fine Gael’s inaugural Disability Network Conference take place. Today is about taking the time to listen to lived experience and allowing that to guide how we think and talk about disability.

“Disability is part of everyday life for so many people and families, and that reality has to be reflected in how decisions are made.

“This year’s Budget supports that commitment, with a record investment of €3.8 billion for disability services, a 20% increase compared to the previous year.

“The depth and quality of discussion today reflects the seriousness with which Fine Gael is approaching disability, and I am fully committed to doing everything I can to support that work and to ensure that lived experience continues to shape what happens next.”