The Government has welcomed the agreement reached at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), which includes a 9.25% pay increase for up to 40,000 employees working for State-contracted agencies that provide vital health and social care services. This agreement, finalized during recent talks at the WRC, ensures that workers in Section 39 agencies will now receive […]
Pay Deal for Section 39 Workers Read More »
A newly published report has found that a lack of focus on disability within local authorities has weakened the role of access officers, who are responsible for assisting disabled people in accessing public services. The research, “Bridging the Gap“, commissioned by the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), examined how local authorities are implementing the United
Research Finds Ongoing Barriers in Local Authority Disability Services Read More »
The Ministers for Health and Children, along with other government representatives, have announced the HSE National Service Plan 2025. With a record budget of €26.9 billion—a €1.6 billion increase from 2024—the plan focuses on improving health and social care services, emphasizing mental health, disability, and older persons’ services. Key highlights include: The plan prioritizes shorter
HSE Service Plan Targets Shorter Wait Times and Enhanced Disability Services Read More »
The National Advocacy Service has highlighted financial barriers as one of the most urgent challenges facing people with disabilities. According to its annual report, financial issues made up 12% of the service’s casework last year, as it intervened to assist individuals in financial difficulty. The report reveals that many people with disabilities struggle to assert
Report Highlights Lack of Financial Autonomy for Some People with Disabilities Read More »
People with disabilities are being denied justice within Ireland’s legal system, as they encounter “barrier layered upon barrier” of obstacles in their efforts to access their rights, according to new research. Published to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the University of Galway’s study revealed that the legal system leaves disabled individuals
People with Disabilities Face Persistent Challenges in Seeking Justice Read More »
Ann Marie Flanagan has amplified her call for political parties to “urgently act on promises made to disabled people and their families” as she launched her Seanad campaign. In her campaign launch speech, she urged all elected officials, including those aiming to form a new government, to prioritize the vital need for support for disabled
Fingal Inclusion Week 2024, organized by the Community Development Office of Fingal County Council, returns for its sixth year, running from Monday, November 11th, to Sunday, November 17th. This year’s program features over 70 events held across Fingal County, all free and open to the public. Fingal Inclusion Week aims to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity,
Fingal Inclusion Week 2024 Read More »
Over recent months, TU Dublin has undertaken a significant initiative to broaden access to entrepreneurship training for individuals with disabilities. Traditionally delivered as a course from September to December each year, this program—generously funded by AIB and supported by the Open Doors Initiative—now offers expanded resources aimed at making entrepreneurial skills accessible year-round. In collaboration
Self-Employment Supports for Persons With Disabilities Read More »
As the upcoming general election approaches, BCIL is standing together with the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) and the wider disability community to ensure our voices are heard and our rights are prioritised by the next government. For too long, disabled people have faced poverty, limited access to essential services, and barriers to full participation
Election 2024: BCIL Advocating for Disability Rights Read More »
Join BCIL’s Coffee Morning at our offices as we stand united to raise awareness and support! This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges: Together Towards Equality and Inclusion”, reflects our ongoing commitment at Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL) to create a society where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can thrive. At BCIL,
