News

Programme for Government 2025

The Open Doors Initiative welcomes Govt disabilities plans but has serious concerns about some migration measures.
 

• Code of Practice for hiring people with disabilities is positive
• But changes to migration policy could have serious unintended consequences for people

The Open Doors Initiative has welcomed the new Government’s plans for a Code of Practice to support the hiring of people with disabilities, but expressed strong concerns that some of new migration measures could have unintended consequences.
 
Several positive measures proposed by Open Doors Initiative (ODI) are included in the Programme for Government, including new goals to hire more people with disabilities, and intensive English language classes for new arrivals.
 
But the organisation, a business NGO which campaigns for a more Inclusive Ireland, has also called on the Government to avoid creating a hostile environment in Ireland to new arrivals, many of whom are already fleeing war or persecution.
 
“The Programme for Government sets the tone for the next five years of leadership. It should aim to foster an inclusive and innovative Ireland, where businesses thrive by having a diverse workforce, and where inequality is eliminated so that everyone has fair access to a meaningful job,” Jeanne McDonagh, CEO,  said. “We welcome the Government’s goal to stimulate strong economic growth and create new jobs. However, it’s vital that all members of our society, no matter their background, benefit from this growth. In particular, while the Government wants to maintain full employment, Ireland is one of the worse performing countries in Europe in employing people with disabilities, with only 32.6% in the workforce in employment. This needs to be addressed with radical, forward thinking policy”
 
ODI is encouraged to see several priorities from its General Election Manifesto 2024 included in ‘Securing Ireland’s Future’:

• Design and delivery of a “Code of Practice” to support the hiring of people with disabilities (pg.17) including a goal for Ireland to increase its employment rate of 32.6% to the European average of 51.3%
• Commitment to a whole of government approach to implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and increased engagement with Disabled Persons Organisations (pg. 92)
• Increased investment in intensive English language classes for people coming to live and work here (pg.125) which could be funded from the National Training Fund
• Policies to protect migrants from exploitation and abuse, highlighting the social and economic benefits of migration to counter anti-immigration sentiment (pg.126)
• Increase maintenance grants and reform SUSI to better meet the needs of students (pg.72). These reforms should extend to all part-time students, and not be limited to certain subjects
• The development of a National Start Up Hub (pg. 15), this hub should be accessible and inclusive of all entrepreneurs, from all backgrounds and abilities

However, the Government must also strive to close the equity gap:

• We have real concerns about unintended consequences due to changes in migration policy, and the move towards a more restrictive model of migration with more deterrents, as opposed to an inclusive model of integration. These could impact on migrant communities and create an inhospitable environment for new arrivals, and also for second and third generation people. Incoming migration is a key factor in economic growth and is vital to our economy
• A re-examination of Disability Allowance and other supports provided by the Department of Social Protection, that is informed by the UNCRPD 

Creating a truly inclusive and equitable labour market requires a comprehensive approach that is grounded in lived experience and the very many barriers faced by marginalised communities. The Programme for Government can play a pivotal role in promoting equitable employability and fostering a society where everyone can thrive.