Cork Disabled Persons Organisation

11/03/2026

On Monday, 9th March, members of Cork DPO attended the launch of the Cork city PPN's "Vision for an Inclusive Cork City" document. Members had the opportunity to contribute to the research that formed the basis of the document.
Lets hope the recommendations are acted on and Cork will be the inclusive city it can be for everyone, one where diversity is acknowledged, respected and valued.

08/03/2026

03/03/2026

On the 25th of February Cork DPO hosted an information stand at the National Advocacy Gathering in UCC.

This annual event brings together people from a wide range of advocacy perspectives to share knowledge, build skills and explore the human rights of disabled people.

It was an interactive and energetic day, with strong opportunities to connect and network. Hosting a stand allowed Cork DPO to engage directly with attendees and clearly explain what a Disabled Persons Organisation is and why DPOs matter in advancing collective rights.

The programme included presentations from SHEP, who launched their report on Decongregation, and EQUIP, a project examining psychotropic prescribing for older adults with intellectual impairments. The discussions reinforced the importance of rights based advocacy led by disabled people.

IMAGE: The photo is of Cork DPO member Eric Johnson, at the Cork DPO information stand, he was joined by fellow member, Bre O’Connell.

Cork County PPN Cork City Public Participation Network

23/02/2026

ILMI meeting with Minister Foley

On Wednesday 18th February, ILMI met with Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley TD to discuss key issues around the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025 to 2030.

Peter Kearns, ILMI DPO Development Officer outlined the role of Local DPOs. The Minister was keen to hear about how and where ILMI was supporting local DPO development, and Peter demonstrated real impact of local DPO on Disabled People through Disability Equality training and the impact of local DPOs with the HSE and local structures such as Public Participation Networks (PPNs).

Fiona Weldon, ILMI Capacity Development Officer spoke about the importance of the Personal Assistance Service, and how ILMI's PAS NOW campaign has shifted policy development and investment in PA Services. Fiona stressed the need for the Minister to ensure DCDE leadership on ensuring the development of a National PAS system as outlined in the National Human Rights Strategy.

Damien Walshe spoke of the importance of reform of Disability Services and that reform of Service Level Agreements must include targets to ensure Disabled People lead Disability Services and are employed by Disability Services as outlined in ILMI's position paper "A Manifesto for Change".

ILMI presented Minister Foley with our 2025 Annual report, demonstrating our impact as a national cross-impairment DPO.

IMAGE: photo shows left to right, Peter Kearns, Fiona Weldon, Minister Foley, Charlie Watson and Damien Walshe

Department of Children, Disability and Equality

Thank you Minister Norma Foley - TD

PAS campaign
https://ilmi.ie/ilmi-pas-now-campaign/

And the Manifesto for change
https://ilmi.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/A-Manifesto-for-Change-Disabled-People-Taking-Control.pdf

23/02/2026

📢 Consultation on Cost of Disability Launched by Department of Social Protection

The Department of Social Protection launched a consultation on the Cost of Disability today.

They want to hear your views on two topics:

1. The agenda and format for a Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network Summit.

This will be held on the 13 May 2026, and will be a one-day event where key people and groups meet to discuss the cost of disability and help shape future strategy.

2. Your views on a cost of disability payment and how it should be designed.

📝 Submission Information

The Department would particularly like to hear from disabled people, their families and carers, their representative groups, and Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs/DPROs).

Submissions can be made in the following formats:
* Written
* Video
* Irish Sign Language
* Phone (dedicated hours and phone number available)

⏰ Deadline for submissions: 7th April 2026 (5pm)

🔗 Find full details and submission requirements here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/consultations/public-consultation-on-the-cost-of-disability/

[Image description: A square graphic with a light blue background and white panel with orange trim in the centre. Text within the panel reads: “Update. Consultation on the Cost of Disability Launched by the Department of Social Protection.” An illustrated image of a megaphone in black and white is at the bottom left hand corner of the image. Beside this, text reads: “www.disabilityparticipation.ie”. The logo for the Disability Participation News Hub is in the top right hand corner of the graphic.]

23/02/2026

Cork City Partnership is organising an 8 week 'FREE' Men's Personal Development Course. This course will explore issues affecting emotional well-being and growth, and include the management of feelings, stress, listening, communication and relationships.

The course will start on Tuesday 24th February from 11am in 46A Spriggs Road. T23FK2V. To register please contact Carmen at cichim@partnershipcork.ie or 086-1455945

20/02/2026

ILMI eBulletin 19th of February 2025

In this issue:
ILMI Meeting with Minister Norma Foley
Cost of Disability
DPO Network Meeting with Minister Emer Higgins
Dublin DPO Launch at the Mansion House

Click the link: https://mailchi.mp/a20867debbfb/ilmi-ebulletin-2nd-of-october-14768460?e=[UNIQID]


IMAGE: swirls of paint and text detailed in post

20/02/2026

20/02/2026

CLOSE THE GAP
Demand action for better family leave now

Ireland is an outlier in Europe when it comes to family leave pay. Across Europe, countries like Sweden, Germany, Portugal and Bulgaria provide far stronger, income-related supports for parents. Families in Ireland deserve better.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, we are gathering outside of the Dáil to mobilise for properly paid, income-linked family leave and an affordable system of public early childhood education and care that leaves no family behind.

📍 Join us outside the Dáil
🗓 March 4th
⏰ 10:30am

Let’s close the gap and demand action now. 💜

13/02/2026

Let’s talk about addressing the cost of disability.

The need to tackle the cost of disability has long been recognised by disabled people and DPOs. That urgency is now reflected in the Programme for Government 2025 and the Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025 to 2030. Article 28 of the UN CRPD also clearly sets out our right to an adequate standard of living and social protection.

The Department of Social Protection is leading the development of a cost of disability scheme and has launched a consultative process. ILMI strongly believes disabled people must be central at every stage of shaping this scheme. Our lived experience is not optional. It is essential.

We want to hear from you. Across two collective discussion sessions, we will focus on two key areas. First, what the upcoming DSP National Strategic Framework Summit on Cost of Disability is about and how disabled people’s lived experience should be reflected in it. Second, how a cost of disability scheme should be designed so it has a real and meaningful impact on disabled people’s lives.

We will explore questions such as who should receive a cost of disability payment, how often it should be paid, and how it supports choice and independent living. Facilitators will share guiding questions in advance.

The first session takes place on Tuesday 17 February at 3 pm and will focus on the structure and content of the DSP National Strategic Framework Summit. A second session will then examine the structure of the cost of disability scheme itself.

To register and get the Zoom link, email michaelseifu@ilmi.ie

IMAGE: poster with text of date time and purpose all detailed above