A nationwide parent-led campaign fighting for better disability services for children and young people across Ireland.
Every Child Matters – Disability Services Campaign is sharing a pledge for Ireland’s children with disabilities.
We have sent this pledge to every TD and Senator in Ireland, and we are delighted that some representatives have already returned signed copies.
But now we need to make our message clear: we are not looking for another referral, another promise or another politician passing responsibility to the relevant Minister.
We need our elected representatives to take responsibility, stand behind these commitments and sign the pledge themselves.
We need full party support. We need every political party to stand with children with disabilities and their families and commit to real, meaningful change.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP:
SHARE this post far and wide.
SEND the pledge directly to your local TDs, Senators and County Councillors.
TAG political parties, party leaders and local representatives.
ASK THEM TO SIGN AND RETURN THE PLEDGE.
Ask your representatives to bring their entire party behind these commitments.
Our children have spent years waiting for essential services. Families are exhausted from fighting a system that too often leaves them without the support they need. We need timely access to services, proper staffing and resources, stronger disability rights, accountability and meaningful reform. Passing responsibility from one person to another is not action. Referring our concerns elsewhere is not a commitment. We want politicians to stand up, take responsibility and show families that they are prepared to fight for change.
This is not about party politics. It is about children’s rights, their futures and the support they deserve. We need every party. We need every representative. We need real commitment, not another handover. Please share this pledge, send it to your local representatives and ask them one simple question: Our children cannot wait any longer. Every Child Matters. Every Child Deserves Better.
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1. FIGHT FOR TIMELY ACCESS TO DISABILITY SERVICES
Including OT, Speech & Language Therapy, psychology, physiotherapy and all other essential supports children require.
2. END THE WAITING-LIST CRISIS
No child should be left waiting years for the services they need, or forced into crisis before help is provided.
3. REFORM CDNT, CAMHS, CAMHS-ID, PRIMARY CARE AND ENABLE IRELAND
Children must not be passed between services, refused because of their diagnosis, or left without a service that takes responsibility for their care.
4. DEMAND PROPER STAFFING AND RESOURCES
Disability services must have the funding, workforce and capacity necessary to provide timely and effective support.
5. SUPPORT SENATOR TOM CLONAN’S DISABILITY RIGHTS LEGISLATION
I pledge to support and progress legislation that strengthens meaningful, enforceable rights to disability services, therapies, interventions and supports, including Senator Tom Clonan’s Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill and Disability (Personalised Budgets) Bill.
6. REFORM THE DISABILITY ACT 2005
I pledge to support reform that strengthens the legal rights of disabled children and adults and ensures Ireland meets its obligations under national, European and international disability rights frameworks.
7. ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT DISABILITY SERVICES GOVERNANCE & OVERSIGHT BODY
I pledge to support the establishment of an independent governance and oversight body with representation from disabled people, parents, carers, professionals and relevant stakeholders.
This body should have a clear mandate to:
- Monitor the delivery of disability services across the State.
- Monitor waiting lists, staffing levels and regional inequalities.
- Measure whether children are receiving the services they are entitled to.
- Hear directly from families and people with disabilities.
- Publish regular, transparent reports on progress and failures.
- Make recommendations to Government and the Oireachtas.
- Require relevant departments and agencies to respond publicly to identified failures.
8. SUPPORT THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNCRD INTO DOMESTIC IRISH LAW
I pledge to support the full implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) into domestic Irish law, with a specific focus on the rights of children with disabilities.
9. PUT LIVED EXPERIENCE AT THE HEART OF REFORM
Parents, carers, disabled people and children must have a meaningful voice in designing and changing the services they depend upon.