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Dr. Charles O’Mahony, School of Law, University of Galway, has co-authored a significant new report for the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), highlighting the persistent gaps in disability inclusion at the local government level in Ireland.  The report, Bridging the Gap Between National Policy and Local Action for Disability Inclusion, was co-authored with Dr. Mary Keogh and launched last month at the offices of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission in Dublin. The research examines the disconnect between Ireland’s national commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the reality faced by disabled people at the local level.  It finds that despite policy advancements, including the recent ratification of the UNCRPD and its Optional Protocol, local authorities remain under-resourced and inconsistently equipped to implement disability-inclusive policies. “Ireland is one of the most centralised countries in Europe, and local authorities here are among the lowest-funded in the OECD,” said Dr. O’Mahony. “This centralisation often sidelines disability rights at the local level, meaning that despite legal obligations, many disabled people continue to face barriers in housing, transport, public spaces, and community services.” The report underscores the crucial role of local authorities in fulfilling disability rights obligations, yet it identifies a lack of structured coordination and funding to support meaningful implementation.  While some local authorities have made progress, there is inconsistent progress across the 31 local authorities. One key finding is the need for properly resourced and full-time Access Officers in every local authority.  Currently, many Access Officers work part-time and lack clear job descriptions, dedicated budgets, and training, limiting their ability to effect real change.  The report calls for expanding and formalising the role of Access Officers, ensuring they have the authority and resources to integrate disability inclusion across all local government policies. The research also highlights successful models, such as the Disability and Inclusion Steering Committee (DISC) in Wicklow County Council, which has a strategic role in advising on disability policy.  The report recommends replicating such initiatives nationwide to embed disability inclusion as a core function of local government. The launch event on the 28th. Of January in Dublin brought together local government officials, policymakers, researchers, and disability advocates to discuss the findings and chart a path forward for implementing the UNCRPD at a local level. The report concludes that national implementation of the UN CRPD must be matched with tangible action at the local level.  It calls for increased government funding for local authorities, linked to clear disability inclusion targets, and mandatory training to ensure obligations under the UNCRPD translate into real-world improvements for disabled people. Dr. O’Mahony emphasised the importance of taking a whole-of-government approach: “Disability inclusion should not be seen as an add-on but as an integral part of how local authorities operate.  Without dedicated resources and accountability measures, the commitments made at the national level will continue to fall short on the ground.” For more information, the summary report and full report are available online – https://www.disability-federation.ie/news/latest/2025/02/04/bridging-the-gap-between-national-policy-and-local/  

On Monday, 11th November 2024, the Equality, Rights, and Social Inclusion Research Cluster hosted two events in partnership with Mental Health Reform at the University of Galway. These events provided valuable insights into the Mental Health Bill 2024 and created a platform for meaningful dialogue about mental health priorities ahead of the General Election. The evening began with a seminar titled “Understanding the Proposed Changes to Mental Health Law”, where attendees heard about into the key legislative changes proposed in the Mental Health Bill 2024.  Speakers Dr. Charles O’Mahony from the School of Law, University of Galway, and Ber Grogan, Policy and Research Manager at Mental Health Reform, explored the implications of these proposed changes. Following the seminar, the Mental Health Hustings brought together General Election candidates and community members for an engaging discussion on mental health priorities. Attendees shared their concerns and aspirations for mental health policy, while candidates outlined their commitments to improving services and increasing funding for mental health services. During the hustings, Mental Health Reform outlined their key policy asks for the new government, emphasising the need for: Leadership The creation of a Super Junior Ministry for Mental Health and Wellbeing. Establishing a Joint Oireachtas Committee on Mental Health and Wellbeing. Appointing a HSE National Lead for Mental Health alongside Regional Mental Health Leads. Investment Allocating 10% of the overall health budget to mental health by 2030. Resourcing the implementation plan of the national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision. Legislation Commencing and operationalising the reforms contained in the Mental Health Bill 2024 with a greater focus on human rights protection for people subject to mental health law.  

Dr Charles O’Mahony recently presented a keynote address, “Remembering Fiona Morrissey’s Scholarship & Advocacy: A Human Rights Critique of the Mental Health Bill 2024”, at the 16th Annual Critical Perspectives in Mental Health Conference, held at University College Cork on 8–9 November 2024. Fiona passed away tragically young in November 2023 after a long illness.  In his address, Charles paid tribute to his late friend and colleague, Dr Fiona Morrissey, whose scholarship and advocacy significantly shaped Irish mental health law and policy. Fiona was a graduate of the School of Law at University of Galway and an Adjunct Lecturer. His presentation highlighted Fiona’s pioneering work on advance healthcare directives and her advocacy for aligning Irish mental health legislation with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Charles also critiqued the Mental Health Bill 2024, emphasising its shortcomings in fully realising the rights-based framework Fiona championed. Dr Fiona Morrissey’s scholarship, rooted in her empirical and comparative research, continues to inspire law and policy reforms. The conference also featured a panel discussion, “Remembering Fiona Morrissey’s Scholarship & Advocacy”, with contributions from Dr Mark Kelly (Fiona’s husband), Dr Liz Brosnan, Ber Grogan, Fiona Anderson, Prof Mary Donnelly, and Dr Mary Keys (Fiona’s PhD supervisor). The panel reflected on Fiona’s many contributions as a distinguished scholar and human rights campaigner. Panellists discussed Fiona’s impact as a researcher and advocate, her collaboration with people with lived experience of mental health services, and her extensive engagement with policymakers and stakeholders.  

Nayia Christodoulou, a doctoral researcher in the Centre for Disability Law and Policy, and Dr. Charles O’Mahony, lecturer in the School of Law, recently participated in a panel discussion titled “Approaches to Capacity and Consent, Their Evolution and Implementation.” The panel was held at Fordham Law School as part of the American Branch of the International Law Association (ABILA) annual International Law Weekend (ILW), which took place from the 24–26, October, 2024, in New York City. The overarching theme of ILW 2024, “Powerless Law or Law for the Powerless?”. The panel provided a platform for critical discussions on capacity and consent, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.