The Centre for Disability Law and Policy at NUI, Galway has prepared a briefing paper on the rights of persons with disabilities in congregated settings within the COVID-19 emergency.

The purpose of this paper is to capture the critical information that may be relevant to Ireland at this time in relation to persons with disabilities residing in congregated settings.

This paper outlines the rights of persons with disabilities resident in congregated settings in Ireland under the UNCRPD. It then looks at reports and practices in other countries of how similar services are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. It makes recommendations as to how to address core issues which have been identified by disability service providers in Ireland.

This paper is focused on the operation of residential settings. The CDLP acknowledges that persons with disabilities living in the community will also experience significant barriers to the realization of their right to the highest attainable standards of health, the right to live independently and to be treated equally to non-disabled people. Adequate supports must be provided to persons with disabilities who receive support and care from family members.