Neurological conditions are now among the leading causes of disability worldwide according to the World Health Organisation. In Ireland, the most recent report of the National Ability Supports System highlighted that 22% of the adults engaging with disability services in 2025 had a neurological condition as the primary cause of their disability.
In its role as the national umbrella representing neurological charities, this submission by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland incorporates as its primary focus the aspects where the Act and its implementation need to be reformed to reflect the experiences and requirements of people living with neurological disability. In Ireland, over 860,000 people, or 1 in 6 of the population, are living with a neurological condition, and more than 50,000 people develop a neurological condition each year. The review of the Disability Act 2005 represents an opportunity to ensure that the needs of the growing population of people with neurological disability are recognised within disability legislation, and that the provisions and operation of the Act address the barriers and challenges they experience
The main focus of this submission is on the actions required to ensure that the review of the Disability Act reflects the needs and experiences of the growing numbers of the Irish population with a neurological disability. The submission draws on the 2026 report “The Disability Act at 21, Reflecting, Reforming Reimagining” by the University of Galway, the 2026 report from the Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters, as well as the National Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. There is a substantial body of reports and commentary calling for substantial review of the Act, including to bring it into line with Ireland’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD). This submission by the NAI refers to and supports these calls for broader reform but mainly focuses on recommendations to specifically address the applicability and provisions for people with neurological disability within the Act.
As the national umbrella organisation for neurological charities, the Neurological Alliance of Ireland welcomes this review of the Disability Act as a key opportunity to focus on bringing this legislation up to date and fit for purpose as the key legislative framework underpinning the recognition of, and provision for, the needs of people with disabilities in Ireland.
The full NAI response can be read and downloaded at Call For Submissions Review of the Disability Act: September 2026