Disability Federation of Ireland at the European Parliament

It was a great pleasure to welcome members of the Disability Federation of Ireland to the Parliament today with my Fine Gael colleagues. Today marks the fourth edition of the European Parliament of Persons with Disabilities (EPPD).

The European Disability Forum and the European Parliament have once again successfully gathered hundreds of delegates from around Europe for this important event, including members of the EU institutions and representative organisations of persons with disabilities.

Discussions revolved around the right of persons with disabilities to vote and participate in political and public life, the European Disability Strategy 2020-2030 and the EU’s implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). This fourth edition of the congregation coincides with 20th anniversary of the European Disability Forum, and the European Day of Persons with Disabilities. It has facilitated crucial dialogue between citizens with disabilities and their elected representatives, and I am keen to ensure ongoing support in the European Parliament in this regard.