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National Advisory Council Presents Priorities to Taoiseach

Ahead of World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March, members of Down Syndrome Ireland’s National Advisory Council (NAC) met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to deliver a clear message: decisions that affect people with Down syndrome must be shaped by people with Down syndrome.

The meeting focused on priorities that will shape Down Syndrome Ireland’s work over the next four years, including early intervention, access to transport, healthcare and planning for adulthood.

For the first time, the NAC presented the Taoiseach with the core pillars of Down Syndrome Ireland’s forthcoming national strategy, developed through consultation with adults with Down syndrome and their families across the country.

Attending the meeting were NAC Chairperson Fintan Bray, Una Coates, Eric Nolan, Yann O’Carroll, Conor O’Donnell and Regional Advisory Council member Eileen Dunne. They highlighted barriers facing people with Down syndrome in Ireland today, including inconsistent access to therapies, unreliable and inaccessible public transport, limited pathways to independent living and the need for clearer transition planning from school into adulthood.

Down Syndrome Ireland will launch its new national strategy on World Down Syndrome Day, outlining a roadmap to strengthen early intervention supports, expand inclusive employment pathways and address gaps in transport and adult services.

National Advisory Council with Taoiseach

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

“It was an honour to meet with members of Down Syndrome Ireland’s National Advisory Council this week, ahead of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21. These members are doing incredible work for people across the country with Down syndrome, and should be commended and celebrated, not just on March 21, but every day.”

Aidan Stacey, CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland, said:

“When national leaders sit down directly with adults who are navigating these systems every day, the conversation changes. This is about practical barriers – transport that determines whether someone can work, therapies that shape long-term health outcomes, and planning that determines independence.”

Fintan Bray, NAC Chairperson, added:

“The NAC represents people with Down syndrome across Ireland, so it’s important that we have these conversations. We discussed rural transport, education, employment and more. The NAC stands united with people across Ireland to make the future better for everyone.”