News
National Protest
As fellow members of the Community and Voluntary Pillar we support Disability Federation Ireland in their efforts.
Dear colleagues, Over the last few months, DFI have been working hard to highlight the reality of the “Cost of Disability” We have joined with others to call for a €400 Emergency Disability Payment to replace what was taken away from disabled people in Budget 2026. We have presented the data. We’ve stood outside Leinster House. We have written the submissions. We have met with the Ministers. And while we seem to have won the public argument, the government response has been to double down and refuse to acknowledge the financial challenge that many people with disability find themselves facing. That’s why, on Saturday 28 February, we are supporting disabled people to have their voices heard. We are working to with our partners at IWA and Access for All to make sure that the Government cannot disregard the lived experience of people with disabilities. These demonstrations are the result of the hard work and determination of our community, our partners, and disabled people across the country. It’s important to mobilise as many as possible to make sure our demands are heard. The Government has asked disabled people to wait until 2027 for a permanent solution. But as we know, poverty does not pause. With utility arrears rising and inflation biting, the “gap” they have created is dangerous. Support the campaign We have created a very simple form (it takes 30 seconds) where you can: Confirm you are happy to support the campaign. Confirm you are happy to use your logo in supporting organisations. Deadline: Please complete this form by COB Friday 20 February. Complete the form: http://web.disability-federation.ie/cn/aiafm/emergencypayment Join us on 28 February A protest is a numbers game. A small gathering is easily ignored. It’s harder to look away from a large crowd. I am asking our colleagues and members who are able to do so, to join us at the Garden of Remembrance at 1 pm. We need allies. So if you can: Bring your partner. Bring your housemates. Bring your neighbours. Bring your friends. We know that for many, protesting is a massive logistical and physical burden. Many cannot make it due to the lack of transport or the physical toll it takes. We need our friends and families to fill the space for those who cannot be there. The Plan When: Saturday 28 February at 1pm. Where: Garden of Remembrance, Dublin. What: A visible demand for an Emergency Disability Payment. I know that attending a protest takes time, energy, and planning. But this is a significant moment for the movement. Let’s turn up, let’s be loud, and let’s make sure they can’t look away. See our flyer for more information below and here. See you there.   Kind regards,  Elaine Teague CEO Disability Federation of Ireland |
March for Emergency Winter Disability Payment – 28 February
As fellow members of the Community and Voluntary Pillar we support Disability Federation Ireland in their efforts.
DFI Website: https://www.disability-federation.ie/news/latest/2026/02/06/march-for-emergency-winter-disability-payment-28-f/
Extract from DFI Website – “Since Budget 2026, our coalition, has campaigned for a €400 Emergency Winter Payment to replace targeted financial supports stopped in Budget 2026. These were measures provided by government over three consecutive budgets from 2023-2025 and their loss is having a major impact this year.
We warned Government of this impact, with people living in freezing homes, and debt rising, with arrears felt long past the winter months.
The government has chosen to ignore those warnings, citing “fiscal sustainability” while sitting on a record surplus.
The campaign has become a national movement with disabled people, organisations and supporters coming from all across teh country to get behind the demand.
That’s why we’re asking you to save the date for a major national protest..
Date: Saturday, 28 February
Time: Assembly at 1pm
Start: Garden of Remembrance, Dublin
End: The Customs House
Why we’re marching
We are marching because thousands of people with disabilities are currently up to €1,400 worse off following Budget 2026. People deserve more than being forced to choose between heating their homes and eating a meal.
Please mark your calendars and bring your banners. We need disabled people, families, allies and anyone interested in equality to make our voices heard.
More details on accessibility and speakers will follow soon.”
Link to Cost of Disability Factsheet: https://www.disability-federation.ie/assets/files/pdf/cost_of_disability_-_final_polish_2.pdf
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Launching the first Age-Friendly AI Training co-created with and for older adults at Moate Library
Moate, County Westmeath, IRELAND – February 25, 2026 – The national Age-Friendly AI initiative led by TU Dublin and the Research Ireland ADAPT Centre, which is dedicated to making Artificial Intelligence (AI) accessible and relevant for older adults across Ireland, announces the launch of the first Age-Friendly AI Training designed with and for older adults.
For the past year, older people from across Ireland have shared their hopes, concerns and ideas about Artificial Intelligence. The project team has used the insights to develop a training programme that is meaningful and relevant for older people.
“We’ve listened to what older people around Ireland told us, and we’ve developed the training to reflect what they would like to learn about AI and how it impacts on their day-to-day lives” said Dr Emma Clarke from the Research Ireland ADAPT Centre. “We’re looking forward to welcoming people to Moate Library to explore the topic together in an interactive way”.
The workshop will feature training materials, presentations, videos and hands-on AI demonstrations. This training will be rolled out across the country later this year in collaboration with public libraries under the national Skills For Life programme.
A participant from a recent Age-Friendly AI workshop in Dublin said: “I felt that I wasn’t alone. That all my age cohorts are equally anxious but not afraid. It is a great sharing experience and was very well facilitated.”
How to attend The workshop takes place in Moate Library on the 25th of February at 11.00. Spaces are limited. Please register your interest directly with Moate Library
About the Age-Friendly AI Initiative: ‘Age-Friendly AI’ is a two-year national project, led by TU Dublin and the ADAPT Centre and supported by age-focused organisations. It is funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland’s Discover Programme. Its mission is to bridge the AI knowledge gap, ensure digital inclusion and guarantee that the experiences and opinions of older adults are taken into consideration in shaping the future of AI driven technology, products and services. Find more information on the project website: https://agefriendlyai.ie/ or email patricia.luchafarina@adaptcentre.ie