Irish Disability Survey Pre-Pilot Report 2026
Ireland is obliged to collect appropriate information, including statistical and research data, to develop and implement policies in line with the UNCRPD. In 2006, a National Disability Survey (NDS) was conducted by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the results of which were used to plan services, develop policies, and for further research. The 2006 survey is now considered dated, and its usefulness for current policy development is limited. A new survey will be collected by CSO as the Irish Disability Survey (IDS) in 2028.
Survey questions are being developed and refined throughout 2026..
Pilot questionnaire modules
•Demographics
•Disability Screening
•Well-being and Social Inclusion
•Housing and Accessibility
•Transport
•Education
•Employment
•Assistive Technology
•Care and Support
•Health Services
•Social and Civic
•Activities
The pilot will commence by the end of 2026 and into the first quarter of 2027.
Steering Group Membership
Department of Children, Disability and Equality (chair)
Central Statistics Office
Department of Education and Youth
Department of Health
Department of Social Protection
Department of the Taoiseach
Department of Transport
Health Research Board
National Disability Authority (NDA)
Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI)
Disabled Person’s Organisation Network
Economic and Social Research Institute
Subgroup Membership
ADHD Ireland
AsIAm
Chime
Central Statistics Office
Department of Children, Disability and Equality*
Department of Education and Youth
Department of Finance
Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Department of Social Protection*
Department of Transport*
Disability Federation of Ireland
Disabled Women Ireland
Disabled Person’s Organisation Network
Dyslexia Ireland
Dyspraxia Ireland
Enable Ireland
European Disability Forum
FASD Ireland
Health Research Board
Health Service Executive*
IBEC
Independent Living Movement Ireland
Irish Congress of Trade Unions
Maynooth University
Middletown Centre
National Council for Special Education
National Rehab Hospital
National Disability Authority
Neurodiversity Ireland
Neuropride Ireland
University College Dublin
University of Limerick
Vision Ireland