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.

23/06/2026

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley - TD has announced the official establishment of the Guardian ad Litem National Service.

A Guardian ad Litem is an independent person appointed by a court to advise on the best interests of a child in public court proceedings.

The Minister described the launch as a "landmark moment for children", noting that it will ensure "their best interests remain at the heart of every decision".

Read our press release: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/press-releases/minister-foley-announces-commencement-of-new-guardian-ad-litem-national-service/

Minister Norma Foley - TD today updated Government on progress in developing the National Centre for Research and Rememb...
23/06/2026

Minister Norma Foley - TD today updated Government on progress in developing the National Centre for Research and Remembrance.

Located on Seán MacDermott Street, the Centre will honour those who experienced Ireland’s institutional systems, while providing access to records, educational opportunities, and support services.

With construction underway and survivor voices increasingly integrated into governance, this historic project continues to move forward, with full completion expected by 2030.

Funding is available to support civil society organisations to participate in the UN Universal Periodic Review Pre-sessi...
19/06/2026

Funding is available to support civil society organisations to participate in the UN Universal Periodic Review Pre-sessions, which take place from 26 to 28 August in Geneva. By participating, organisations can present key human rights concerns directly to Permanent Missions in Geneva and contribute to the international review of Ireland's human rights record.

Each successful applicant will be awarded a grant of up to €3,000 towards travel and subsistence costs.

Applications close on Monday, 29 June. You can find more information on the process and eligibility on our website: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/call-for-expressions-of-interest-funding-to-support-civil-society-participation-in-the-un-universal-periodic-review-pre-sessions-2026/

19/06/2026

In May 2026, Ireland was represented at the European Child Guarantee Coordinators meeting and the High Level Conference on child wellbeing hosted by the Cyprus Presidency in Nicosia.

The event brought together Ministers, EU policymakers, experts and civil society to advance preventive, integrated approaches to tackling child poverty — and came at a decisive moment, following the European Commission's announcement of the EU’s first ever Anti-Poverty Strategy and the strengthening of the European Child Guarantee.

From 1 July, Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union continues this work — hosting the Meeting of Senior Officials on the European Child Guarantee at Dublin Castle in September, with a focus on Early Years inclusion and ensuring no child is left behind.

Have Your Say on ChildmindingMinister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley - TD, has today launched “Let’s...
19/06/2026

Have Your Say on Childminding

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley - TD, has today launched “Let’s Talk Childminding”, a public consultation on Ireland’s new childminding regulations.

The consultation will help review regulations introduced in September 2024, which allow childminders to register with Tusla and join the National Childcare Scheme, giving families access to financial supports.

A transition period is in place until September 2027, after which registration will become mandatory.

Read the full press release here; https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/press-releases/minister-foley-launches-public-consultation-on-review-of-childminding-regulations/

19/06/2026

For 20 years, Growing Up in Ireland has provided invaluable insights into children’s physical health, mental health and education, shaping policy and public services nationwide.

Launched on Wednesday 17 June at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the 20th anniversary campaign will feature a series of events and communications throughout the year, celebrating the study’s lasting impact and recognising the vital contribution of the children, young people and families who have taken part.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley - TD highlighted the importance of the study, noting that it gives a voice to children and young people and continues to inform decisions that support better outcomes for future generations.

Both “Participation and Inclusion” and “Equality and Non-Discrimination” make up the other two pillars of the National L...
18/06/2026

Both “Participation and Inclusion” and “Equality and Non-Discrimination” make up the other two pillars of the National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, published on 12 June last year.

Actions under the “Participation and Inclusion” pillar include engagement with LGBTIQ+ people when developing strategies and policies that affect them, promoting inclusive workplaces, and annual funding to provide supports particularly to the most marginalised in the community.

Actions under the “Equality and Non-Discrimination” pillar include legislation to protect LGBTIQ+ people from discrimination, banning conversion practices, and efforts to promote and protect LGBTIQ+ rights through Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union later this year.

Find out more at gov.ie/ProgressHasAPlan.

2 Weeks to Go until Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.Did you know? During the Presi...
17/06/2026

2 Weeks to Go until Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Did you know? During the Presidency, Irish Ministers will be required to chair meetings of EU Ministers in the Council, steer the Council’s legislative and policy agenda, and interact on behalf of the Council with the other EU institutions. Irish officials will be required to chair more than 170 Council preparatory bodies, and to lead engagement with other EU institutions at technical and expert levels on legislative files.

At the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, we are preparing to use Ireland’s Presidency to promote disability rights, inclusion and equality, and to strengthen the participation of children, young people and others across society in European policymaking.

Each week until the Presidency begins, we will be sharing one fact about how the Council of the EU works. Follow along as we count down and get to know the Presidency before it begins.

Today marks 20 years of Growing Up in Ireland! Ireland's national study tracks over 30,000 children and young people, pr...
17/06/2026

Today marks 20 years of Growing Up in Ireland!

Ireland's national study tracks over 30,000 children and young people, providing valuable insights into children's physical health, mental health, and education. Thanks to all participants and families, Ireland has a deeper understanding of childhood, education, and wellbeing.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley - TD has launched a milestone campaign marking this anniversary. The campaign will see a series of events and activities throughout the year highlighting the legacy of the study.

Learn more in our press release: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/press-releases/minister-foley-launches-20th-anniversary-campaign-of-growing-up-in-ireland-irelands-national-longitudinal-study-of-children-and-young-people/

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