Westmeath man meets with Taoiseach ahead of World Down Syndrome Day

Members of Down Syndrome Ireland's National Advisory Council (NAC) have met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to deliver a clear message: decisions that affect people with Down syndrome must be shaped by people with Down syndrome.

This meeting took place ahead of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21.

This was not a ceremonial visit. It was a working meeting focused on priorities that will define the next four years, early intervention, access to transport, healthcare, and practical planning for adulthood.

Fintan Bray is the NAC chairperson and a Delvin native.

Following his meeting with the Taoiseach he highlighted the importance of Government officials listening to the issues facing people with Down Syndrome.

“The NAC has a voice that represents everyone with Down syndrome across Ireland, so it’s important that we have these conversations.

“There was a lot to discuss with the Taoiseach; rural transport, education, employment and more.

“The NAC stands united with people across Ireland to make the future better for everyone. Equality for everyone is important.

“World Down Syndrome Day, observed annually on March 21 and officially recognised by the United Nations since 2012, is a global call for inclusion, visibility and equal rights.

“Down Syndrome Ireland represents over 3,500 members across 25 branches nationwide and works to ensure that people with Down syndrome are supported to live full and independent lives.”

For the first time, the NAC presented the Taoiseach with the core pillars of Down Syndrome Ireland’s forthcoming national strategy, which has been directly informed by adults with Down syndrome and their families across the country.

In attendance were NAC Chairperson Fintan Bray, Una Coates, Eric Nolan, Yann O’Carroll, Conor O’Donnell, and Regional Advisory Council member Eileen Dunne.

Together, they outlined tangible barriers facing people with Down syndrome in Ireland today; 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 at a pivotal moment. Down Syndrome Ireland will launch its new strategy on March 21, setting out a roadmap for improving early intervention supports, strengthening inclusive employment pathways, and addressing systemic gaps in transport and adult services.

The strategy reflects extensive consultation with members nationwide and positions lived experience as a formal driver of national advocacy.

Speaking at the meeting the Taoiseach 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, the CEO of Down Syndrome of Ireland, felt that these kinds of meetings are vital for breaking down barriers in Down Syndrome support.

“When national leaders sit down directly with adults who are navigating these systems every day, the conversation changes,” he said.

“This is about practical barriers transport that determines whether someone can work, therapies that shape long-term health outcomes, and planning that determines independence.”