National Advisory Council 2026 Update

Sunday Life Magazine

For World Down Syndrome Day 2026, the NAC were interviewed in the Sunday Life magazine as part of the Irish Independent. 

It was a fabulous day where the NAC were treated to getting their hair and make up done by the Irish Independent team for the photoshoot. The photos were taken in Fidelis Partnership, where the NAC regularly have their meetings. Fidelis Partnership are one of Down Syndrome Ireland’s corporate partners and they love to host the NAC.

The NAC members who were available on the day of the shoot were also interviewed about their lives, work, and advocacy.
 

You can read the article here.

Meeting Micheál Martin

In March, the NAC met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Fintan gave the Taoiseach a draft of the strategy and told him about the changes he wants to see.

After a few photos outside, the Taoiseach invited the NAC into his office. They sat around his desk and spoke about transport, housing, independent living and self advocacy. The Taoiseach then gave a tour of his office, showing the NAC some of the paintings of the Taoisigh gone before him. 

The NAC also bumped into Tánaiste Simon Harris while in Government Buildings and they spoke to him about the Disability Strategy!

World Down Syndrome Day

The NAC were instrumental in World Down Syndrome Day 2026. Fintan and Una both did a speech in front of President Catherine Connolly and Minister Emer Higgins, as well as a room full of people.

Fintan spoke about the work of DSI and launched the new Strategy plan – Unity 26-30. Una spoke about independent living. Both speeches were incredibly powerful and engaging. The NAC members all got a lovely moment with the President before she left!

Aontas Star Awards

The NAC and RAC’s were nominated for the ‘Learner Voice Award’ at an award ceremony held in Croke Park in March with Aontas. They were also shortlisted on the day for a Star award. This was a fantastic achievement. NAC Chairperson Fintan Bray, Louth Meath RAC Chairperson Michelle Whelehan and Midlands RAC Chairperson Kim O’Kelly attended with facilitators Sinéad Flynn and Edel Bane. 

Orla Making a Splash

Orla featured in Irish Country Magazine and TV Now in the last few months. In the Irish Country magazine, Orla was interviewed about her experience growing up in Terenure, her acting experience and the importance of being Irish.
 

You can read the Irish Country Magazine article here.

More Minister Meetings with Marian

In June, the NAC were invited to meet with Minister of State Marian Harkin. Minister Harkin is in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

The meeting took place in Leinster House, a building the NAC are very familiar with! They spoke to Minister Harkin about the needs of people with Down syndrome in further and higher education, highlighting the need for more varied courses, greater classroom supports, improved access, and stronger pathways to employment.

Meeting Nina Carberry

The NAC went to Mullingar for one of their meetings recently and were joined by members of the Louth Meath RAC. MEP Nina Carberry met with them and they asked her questions about her job in the EU, her time on Dancing with the Stars and her work as a jockey. 

Independent Una

For World Down Syndrome Day, the communications team worked on a video series telling different member stories. Una featured in one of these videos and told her story about living independently. Watch the video above to hear all about it. 

European Movement

The NAC have worked with the European Movement in 2026. In the May meeting, they were joined by Aisling who gave a presentation on Ireland’s role as European Presidency.

Conor also worked with the European Movement on a video representing Down Syndrome Ireland on the importance of disability being at the fore for the European Presidency. 

Click here to watch on Instagram.