About Down Syndrome Ireland
Down Syndrome Ireland was founded in 1971 to provide support and services to people with Down syndrome and their families.
Vision, Mission & Purpose
Vision
From inclusion in policy to equality in life for people with Down syndrome.
Mission
Our mission is to support people with Down syndrome and their families by providing clear information, consistent services and strong advocacy, working in partnership to reduce inequality, strengthen independence and build inclusive communities.
Purpose
To deliver and advocate for safe, equitable and consistent supports to people with Down syndrome through a clear and well-governed organisation.
Values
- Unity: We work as one organisation with a shared purpose and collective responsibility.
- Equity: The same high standard of support, everywhere.
- Partnership: We achieve more by working together with families, communities and the State.
- Evidence: We use data and lived experience to improve and advocate.
- Respect: Rights, dignity, choice and self-determination come first.
Read our strategy: Unity 2026-2030 here
Governance
Down Syndrome Ireland is committed to establishing and maintaining the highest standards of governance. We believe that it is essential to set and demonstrate high levels of transparency and accountability to all our stakeholders, supporters and funders.
We have worked on behalf of people with Down syndrome and their families since 1971. We have built up and maintained a high level of public trust that we value and do not take for granted.
Down Syndrome Ireland works with more than 3,500 people with Down syndrome and their families each year. We are an organisation with an annual expenditure of €5,578 million (2023).
As well as a national office, we are made up of 25 local branches which provide a wide range of vital services including education, support and research that enhance the lives of thousands of children and adults with Down syndrome. Our branch network is primarily run on a voluntary basis by our members and offer a range of activities, outings, services and supports throughout the country.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Download our Memorandum and Articles of Association
Funding and Finances
With only 18% of our income received through State funding, we are very heavily reliant on fundraising activities and the generosity of the general public to continue providing our essential services and supports.
Down Syndrome Ireland publishes its financial accounts annually. They are prepared in accordance with the most up to date accounting standards, FRS 102 (2015) and with UK and Irish GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) (2014).
We also comply with the requirements set down by the Charities Regulatory Authority, the Governance Code of Good Practice for Community, Voluntary and Charitable Organisations and the Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising created by the organisation Irish Charities Tax Reform, ICTR.
Constitution
Guiding Principles
Guidelines for Charitable Organisations on Fundraising from the Public
Annual Report and Financial Accounts
Down Syndrome Ireland’s 2022-2025 Strategy:
Working Together for a Brighter Future
Past Financial Reports
Past Annual Reports
Other Reports
Board
The Board of Directors has appointed Hayden Brown, 34 Grafton Street, Dublin, D02 XY06 as auditors of Down Syndrome Ireland.
Down Syndrome Ireland’s Board Members and the Chairman of the Board are volunteer members of the organisation and receive no remuneration. They donate freely of their time, skills and experience.
Everyone in Down Syndrome Ireland is 100% committed and passionate about the work they do on behalf of people with Down syndrome and their families.