From Department of Health
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Minister of State with Responsibility for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte, led an Irish delegation to the World Health Organisation in Copenhagen today to discuss the European Programme of Work (2020 – 2025) and Ireland’s international contribution to it.
The day long engagement follows a meeting on Wednesday evening between Minister Rabbitte and Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. During the meeting, the Minister and Dr. Kluge discussed the delivery of disability services, collaboration between Ireland and the WHO in the delivery of its programmes, as well as the Irish and WHO response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Thursday’s meeting with the WHO discussed the Irish, European and global understanding of the issues around disability services and the rights of people with disabilities, as well as allowing Ireland and the WHO an opportunity to discuss the resolution at the World Health Organisation’s General Assembly that Ireland is sponsoring, concerning the “Euro Framework for achieving the highest possible standard of health for People with disabilities”.
Speaking after meeting with the WHO, Minister Rabbitte said:
"Our commitment to fully realize the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities formed the basis of our official visit with WHO colleagues in Copenhagen today. We touched on a number of issues, including assistive technology, workforce planning, supporting people with autism, mental health supports and access to universal healthcare.
"This visit further demonstrates this government’s willingness and that of the Health Service Executive to share our technical resources for the overall benefit not just of Irish citizens, but also to share and learn from all member states of the European and Central Asian Region."
The Minister will also speak to Dr. Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, Director of Division of Country Health Policies and Systems (CPS), Dr. Ledia Lazeri, WHO Europe Regional Advisor on Mental Health, Cathal Morgan, Policy Advisor/Technical Officer working in the Division of Country Health Policy & Systems and former head of Disability Services in the HSE.
On Friday, Minister Rabbitte will also visit the House of Disabled Peoples Organizations, often referred to as “the world’s most accessible office building”, where she is expected to meet Ms. Sif Holst, Vice Chair of the Disabled Peoples Organization of Denmark and will discuss Universal Design, Assistive Technology and accommodations and services for people with autism.
Minister Rabbitte concluded:
"The Department of Health, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and the HSE are most anxious to contribute to and learn from the WHO and member states in terms of how we develop evidenced based approaches that shifts the dial from one of diagnostic led approaches to person led responses that meets the needs of all people, including people with disabilities."