The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, and the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, have welcomed the passing into UK law of new legislation commonly known as Philomena’s Law.
The new legislation ensures that eligible survivors living in the UK can receive a payment under the Scheme without losing access to means-tested benefits and includes a disregard for Income Tax.
Welcoming the introduction of the law, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
“Securing this protection for survivors was agreed at the UK-Ireland Summit in Cork earlier this year, and I am delighted to see that commitment now delivered. I would like to thank the UK Government for their co-operation and commitment to ensuring that these survivors can avail of the Scheme without barriers.”
Minister Foley, welcoming the news, said:
“I’m very pleased to see this important legislation has passed into law in the UK. I was conscious that some survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions living in the UK who are eligible for the Scheme were facing reduced benefits if they accepted a payment. This new law, named after survivor and campaigner Philomena Lee, has removed that barrier.”
Minister Foley also acknowledged the positive response to the recent international public awareness campaign promoting the Scheme.
Since the latest campaign started in the autumn in Ireland and the UK, more than 520 additional applications have been received. This represents an increase of 62% compared with the number of applications received during the first six months of 2026. In addition, there has been a significant increase in engagement with the Payment Scheme Office, average weekly enquiry volumes increased by 133%, rising from 139 enquiries per week during the first six months of 2026 to 323 enquiries per week during the campaign period.
Applications from survivors in the UK have also increased by almost 60% since the campaign started, and it is hoped that this figure will rise even further following the passing of this new legislation.
Minister Foley said:
“I am heartened to see the increase in applications. I want everyone who is eligible for the Scheme to know about it and to have access to the information they need to apply. My department is dedicated to supporting people every step of the way, with confidentiality, dignity and respect.
I would also like to thank the Taoiseach and my colleagues across Government. I would especially like to express my gratitude to Liam Conlon MP who I have met on a number of occasions on this issue, for his personal commitment and hard work. I also want to thank Philomena Lee for her unwavering support for survivors living across the UK.”
Applications can be made online or by post. To find out more or get help applying, visit www.paymentscheme.ie or call 1800 843 354 free of charge from within Ireland. From outside Ireland, call +353 1 522 9992; charges may apply.
Ireland is appearing before the United Nations Human Rights Council today for its Fourth Cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR), with Minister of State for Disability, Emer Higgins, leading the Irish delegation.
Minister Higgins will outline developments in human rights and equality since Ireland’s last review in 2021 and highlight progress across a range of areas, including disability rights, children’s rights, gender equality, housing and homelessness, and international protection reform.
Minister Higgins said:
“Ireland places great value on the Universal Periodic Review process. Through open dialogue, mutual accountability and the sharing of good practice, the UPR helps all countries strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights for all.
“I am proud of the progress made in advancing human rights and equality in recent years. We recognise that while important progress has been made, implementation and delivery remain critical, and the Government remains committed to improving outcomes for people across Ireland.”
During this review, Minister Higgins and representatives of several Government Departments will outline developments since Ireland’s last review in 2021 and engage in an interactive dialogue with other UN Member States on Ireland’s human rights record.
Ireland’s National Report, which informed this review, was submitted to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 3 August 2026. It was prepared through a whole-of-government process.
Recognising the importance of seeking their views, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality consulted with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, civil society organisations and children and young people when developing the National Report,
Today’s review takes place shortly after Ireland’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term. Ireland will take up its seat on the Council on 1 January 2027 and looks forward to working constructively with other Member States and supporting the international human rights system.
During the review, Ireland will receive recommendations from 107 other UN Member States on how it can further strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights. These recommendations will inform Ireland’s engagement with the UPR process over the next review cycle.
“Ireland takes its human rights obligations seriously. The Universal Periodic Review provides an important opportunity to reflect on both progress and challenges, and to engage openly with other countries on how we can continue to strengthen human rights protections.
I am proud of the progress made in advancing human rights and equality in recent years. While important progress has been made, we recognise that implementation and delivery remain critical, and the Government remains committed to improving outcomes for people across Ireland.”
During this review, Minister Higgins and representatives of several Government Departments will outline developments since Ireland’s last review in 2021 and engage in an interactive dialogue with other UN Member States on Ireland’s human rights record.
Ireland’s National Report, which informed this review, was submitted to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 3 August 2026. It was prepared through a whole-of-government process and informed by consultations with civil society organisations, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, and children and young people.
Tomorrow’s review takes place shortly after Ireland’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term. Ireland will take up its seat on the Council on 1 January 2027 and looks forward to working constructively with other Member States to promote and protect human rights and support the international human rights system.
During the review, Ireland will receive recommendations from 107 other UN Member States on how it can further strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights. These recommendations will inform Ireland’s engagement with the UPR process over the next review cycle.
ENDS
Minister Foley welcomes the publication of the Ireland-UK Youth Forum Report and responses from across government. The report of the inaugural Ireland-UK Youth Forum, along with the responses from Irish Government Departments to the recommendations made by young delegates, has been published today.
The Ireland-UK Youth Forum was established following the first Ireland-UK Leaders’ Summit in March 2025, where both governments committed to creating opportunities for young people to connect, share perspectives and influence policy.
The inaugural Forum was held in Dublin in January 2026 and brought together 60 young delegates aged 16 to 24 from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. The Forum provided young people with the opportunity to identify shared challenges and opportunities facing their generation and to develop recommendations for the future of Ireland-UK cooperation.
Discussions focused on four key themes:
The Forum was shaped by a Youth Advisory Group, made up of two young representatives from across each jurisdiction. Over a number of months, members of the Youth Advisory Group worked closely with officials to design the programme, identify discussion themes and ensure that the voices of young people remained central to the process.
Following a series of discussions, delegates developed a range of recommendations for both Governments. These recommendations reflected the priorities, concerns and aspirations of young people across Ireland and the UK and called for continued cooperation on issues affecting young people.
Today’s publication includes both the Forum report and the formal responses from Irish Government Departments to the recommendations put forward by delegates. The responses set out how each Department intends to consider and take forward the recommendations, recognising the importance of ensuring young people have a meaningful voice in policy development.
Minister Foley said:
“This Forum is an important platform for dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding among young people from across Ireland and the United Kingdom. The publication of these recommendations, and our responses to them, demonstrates a commitment to listening to and engaging with young people as partners in policy development. I look forward to supporting and seeing the contributions of the delegates at the next Youth Forum in 2027”
The Ireland-UK Youth Forum forms part of the wider programme of cooperation agreed by both Governments and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening connections between young people across these islands.
The Forum report and responses are available below:
| Registration for the LINC+ CPD Programme will open on Monday, 9 November at 10am and close at 2pm on Friday, 27 November. |
|
|
|
Rainbows Ireland is pleased to offer a professional development workshop designed for early years educators, childcare practitioners, preschool staff and managers supporting young children experiencing loss, separation and family change.
Grief and Loss in Early Childhood
📅 Wednesday, 25 November 2026
🕘 2.00pm – 4.30pm
💻 Online Workshop
💶 €30 per participant (excluding Eventbrite service charge)
This evidence-informed workshop explores:
How babies and young children understand loss, separation and change
Signs of grief in pre-verbal and early verbal children
The importance of routine, attachment and secure relationships in early years settings
Supporting emotional expression through play, stories, routines and sensory activities
Communicating with children using simple, honest and developmentally appropriate language
Partnering sensitively with parents and guardians
Supporting transitions into and out of early years settings during times of family stress
Creating emotionally safe environments for very young children
Book your place here:
🔗Rainbows Professionals Workshop: Grief and Loss in Early Childhood Tickets, Wednesday, November 25 • 2 PM – 4:30 PM GMT | Eventbrite
Rainbows Ireland also offers Professional Training Workshops for early years services, organisations and staff teams. These half-day and full-day workshops can be delivered online or in person and provide an opportunity for team-based professional development.
Professional Training Workshop Topics
Grief & Loss in the Classroom (Primary School Teachers)
Grief & Loss in Second Level School Communities
Grief & Loss in Front-Line Practice (0-12 Years)
Grief & Loss in Early Childhood (0-6 Years)
Workshop Options
Half-Day Workshop
€400
Up to 16 participants
10.00am – 1.00pm
Online or in person (Greater Dublin area)
Full-Day Workshop
€600
Up to 16 participants
10.00am – 4.00pm
Online or in person (Greater Dublin area)
To enquire about Professional Training Workshops for your team:
📧 ask@rainbowsireland.ie
The Government of Ireland, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and HealthTech Ireland, today announced the launch of the Global Expo 2027: Transforming Health and Social Care, a major international conference and exhibition that will take place in Dublin on 24-25 February 2027.
The Global Expo 2027 will bring together policy makers, healthcare providers, researchers, technology innovators, industry leaders and people with lived experience to explore practical solutions to some of the most significant challenges facing health and social care systems worldwide.
The Global Expo 2027 will focus on three key themes: workforce optimisation, assistive technology and disability inclusion. The event aims to showcase new and emerging technologies, share international best practice and create partnerships that can drive meaningful improvements in health and social care outcomes.
The event is expected to welcome 2,000 delegates and will feature an extensive international scientific programme, which has already attracted twice the anticipated number of abstract submissions, alongside a major exhibition showcasing practical solutions and innovations from across the health, social care and disability sectors.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, said:
“Around the world, health and social care systems are under pressure like never before. We all face the same challenge: how can we meet growing demand while ensuring people receive the care they need and by ensuring that disabled people are supported?
“Ireland is proud to host Global Expo 2027: Transforming Health and Social Care alongside the World Health Organization and in partnership with HealthTech Ireland. We look forward to welcoming delegates from around the world to Ireland.”
Dr Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, Director of Health Systems at the World Health Organisation’s Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) said:
“Countries across the Europe and the world are experiencing rising demand for health and social care services, as well as increasing rates of disability and significant workforce shortages. For our Region specifically, the demographic shifts we are witnessing urge us to rethink the way we design and deliver health and social care across the lifecourse.
“The Global Expo 2027 will be a crucial opportunity for policy makers, researchers, practitioners, experts and all stakeholders to come together and come up with practical solutions that can support this transformation.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, said:
“Assistive technology and digital innovation can transform how disabled people live their lives. Disabled people have an equal right to the highest attainable standard of living. This event will provide an important platform to share learning, explore evidence and discuss how innovation can help turn that principle into reality.
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, said:
“Around the world, health and social care systems are facing growing demand and workforce shortages. The solution, alongside resources, is more efficient and effective ways of working. The answer is not simply to do more with less, it is to do things differently. Health professionals must be enabled to use their knowledge and skills to best effect, while also adopting new ways of working and innovative technologies to enhance productivity and deliver accessible patient-centred services”.
Susan Treacy, CEO, HealthTech Ireland, said:
“HealthTech Ireland is proud to be an implementation partner for Global Expo 2027 and to bring the voice and expertise of Ireland’s health technology and life sciences sector to this global event.
Global Expo 2027 provides a unique opportunity to showcase Irish and international expertise, fostering collaboration and accelerating innovation help shape more inclusive and sustainable health and social care systems for the future.”
Jack Kavanagh, Pharmacist and Board Member of the National Disability Authority said:
“For many people, especially those in lower-income countries, the technology they need to live, work and participate fully in society remains unavailable or unaffordable. The Global Expo 2027 is a platform to strengthen global action and improve access to assistive technology”
Further information on registration, exhibition opportunities, sponsorship and partnership packages is available at globalhealthexpo2027.org/
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has announced €413,188 in Dormant Accounts funding for 12 community and voluntary organisations across Ireland.
The funding, allocated under the 2026 What Works in Communities Fund, will support organisations to strengthen prevention and early intervention services for children, young people and families.
The projects include an early intervention service to supporting children & young people dealing with trauma caused by domestic abuse, a support programme for parents of deaf children and young people and a preschool home liaison project to encourage children at risk of disadvantage.
There will also be a pilot play therapy programme for children experiencing emotional, behavioural or developmental challenges and a training programme for young adults with Down Syndrome making the transition to adult life.
The projects will promote participation, equality and inclusion across a breadth of areas including child poverty, mental health, children in care, children with disabilities, early learning and child development.
The 12 successful projects were selected from 101 eligible applications, following an independent assessment process.
Announcing the allocations, Minister Foley said:
“This funding is a vital investment in Ireland’s children and young people. Through the What Works initiative, Dormant Accounts funding is being channelled into prevention and early intervention services that will provide high-quality, evidence-based supports that make a lasting difference for children, young people and families across the country”
The 12 successful projects are as follows:
Full project descriptions are set out in the Notes section below.
