Department of Children, Disability and Equality

Department of Children, Disability and Equality Our mission is to enhance the lives of children, young people, adults, families and communities, recognising diversity and promoting equality of opportunity.

04/09/2026

Equal access. Equal voices. Equal futures.

A consultation on the review of the Disability Act 2005 is open until Friday 9 October 2026.

To learn more and to make a fully accessible submission, visit gov.ie/DisabilityActReview

Ireland's second European Child Guarantee progress report has been published by Minister for Children, Disability and Eq...
04/09/2026

Ireland's second European Child Guarantee progress report has been published by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley - TD.

The European Child Guarantee is an EU initiative that seeks to ensure children at risk of poverty or social exclusion have access to key services such as early childhood learning and care, healthcare, housing, school-based education, and healthy school meals.

The report sets out Ireland's progress for the period spanning 2024 - February 2026.

Read our press release:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/press-releases/irelands-second-european-child-guarantee-progress-report-published/

03/09/2026

We previously brought you a glimpse inside our and The Ark's workshops with children, in which the children designed an artwork to reflect the ideals of the European Child Guarantee.

When the workshops were completed, artist Helen O'Connell set to work bringing their ideas to life. She tells us about her involvement with this project, which celebrates the ideas, lived experiences, and creativity of children.

A huge thank you once again to Children's Health Ireland for facilitating the workshops. The final artwork will be unveiled later this month to coincide with a meeting of European Child Guarantee coordinators in Dublin. Stay tuned!


What a fantastic day celebrating Shaping the Future with children, families, early years educators and communities acros...
02/09/2026

What a fantastic day celebrating Shaping the Future with children, families, early years educators and communities across Ireland.

From local community halls to early learning and care settings, people came together to watch the documentary and celebrate the stories, achievements and experiences at the heart of Ireland's State-funded national pre-school programme.

For more than a decade, the programme has helped over one million children learn, grow and thrive. Thank you to everyone who joined the viewing parties and to all those who shared their stories as part of this special documentary.

Missed it on TV? You can now watch Shaping the Future on the Virgin Media Player.

🔗 https://play.virginmediatelevision.ie/shows/c8b34c1e-9fe5-11f1-b8cd-020f80c0527e/shaping-the-future

01/09/2026

Were you in a Mother and Baby Institution?

Now is the time to apply to the Payment Scheme.
You don’t need to know exact dates, or provide information about what you experienced.
Everything you share will be treated confidentially and with respect.

Call freephone 1800 843 354 from the Republic of Ireland, or +353 1 522 9992 from abroad (charges may apply).

You can also visit paymentscheme.ie

31/08/2026

A snail carries its home on its back everywhere it goes. It's a symbol of being able to make a comfortable home no matter where you are.

That's what children told us when we, together with The Ark asked them to design a unique artwork to mark the meeting of the European Child Guarantee coordinators in September. In this, Ireland is placing children at the centre of policy and cultural expression, as is their right under Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Following the workshops with children, an artist set to work to bring the children's vision to life. We'll be documenting that journey in the coming weeks - stay tuned!


🍿Get the popcorn ready!Shaping the Future airs today at 12pm on Virgin Media Television.Join us as we celebrate Ireland'...
29/08/2026

🍿Get the popcorn ready!

Shaping the Future airs today at 12pm on Virgin Media Television.

Join us as we celebrate Ireland's national pre-school programme and the children, families and early years educators whose stories are at the heart of this special documentary.

📅 Today
⏰ 12.00pm
📺 Virgin Media Television

28/08/2026

🎥Shaping the Future airs tomorrow, telling the story of Ireland's national pre-school programme through the experiences of children, families and early years educators.

Join us as we celebrate the people, passion and impact behind a programme that has helped children learn, grow and thrive across Ireland.

📅 29 August 2026
⏰ 12.00pm
📺 Virgin Media Television

The Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union will demonstrate that European values deliver real results in ...
27/08/2026

The Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union will demonstrate that European values deliver real results in people’s daily lives.

Europe is strongest when it is inclusive, fair, and connected to its people.

Gender mainstreaming helps to strengthen policymaking by ensuring that the needs and experiences of everyone are considered. Equally, diverse leadership, effective care supports, and inclusive workplaces are key to unlocking economic potential.

On 7 and 8 September, we will host a meeting of the EU High-Level Group on Gender Mainstreaming.

On 9 September, we will host a High-Level Conference on Equality and Competitiveness.

These events will highlight the importance of gender equality and diversity and how this contributes to improved economic outcomes and governance.


Address

Block 1, Miesian Plaza, 50-58 Baggot Street Lower
Dublin
D02XW14

Website

, dia Policy

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Department of Children, Disability and Equality posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Department of Children, Disability and Equality:

Shortcuts

Share

Category