Westmeath man meets with Taoiseach ahead of World Down Syndrome Day

Westmeath man Fintan Bray, Chairperson of Down Syndrome Ireland's National Advisory Council, met with Taoiseach Michaél Martin to present him with Down Syndrome Ireland's new strategy.

The strategy will be officially released on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day.

Mr Bray met with the Taoiseach 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 the next four years, including early intervention, transport access, healthcare and planning for adulthood.

For the first time, the National Advisory Council (NAC) presented the Taoiseach with the core pillars of Down Syndrome Ireland’s forthcoming national strategy, developed in consultation with adults with Down syndrome and their families nationwide.

The NAC is a panel of adults with Down syndrome who advise Down Syndrome Ireland on advocacy and policy priorities, ensuring national representation is informed by lived experience. Their input helps shape policy submissions, government engagement and public campaigns.

NAC Chairperson Fintan Bray, Una Coates, Eric Nolan, Yann O’Carroll, Conor O’Donnell and Regional Advisory Council member Eileen Dunne attended the meeting.

They outlined barriers facing people with Down syndrome in Ireland, 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.

The meeting comes ahead of the launch of Down Syndrome Ireland’s new national strategy on March 21, which will focus on improving early intervention supports, strengthening inclusive employment pathways and addressing gaps in transport and adult services.

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 the meeting highlighted the importance of hearing directly from people with lived experience.

NAC Chairperson Fintan Bray added that the council represents people with Down syndrome across Ireland and discussed issues including rural transport, education and employment with the Taoiseach.

World Down Syndrome Day, observed annually on March 21 and recognised by the United Nations since 2012, promotes inclusion, visibility and equal rights. Down Syndrome Ireland represents more than 3,500 members across 25 branches nationwide.