Disability in Ireland: News and Information

Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 30 Dec 2025

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Publications - Subtopics

Synopsis: Irish disability news and information from The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, including latest medical research and updates.

Introduction

Ireland is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island in the world. It lies to the northwest of continental Europe and is surrounded by hundreds of islands and islets. To the east of Ireland is Great Britain, separated from it by the Irish Sea. Ireland is occupied by two political entities:

Main Content

• Northern Ireland, established on the 3 May 1921, is a part of the United Kingdom that covers the remaining sixth. Its capital is Belfast.
• The Republic of Ireland, ratified 21 January 1919 and officially formed on the 6 December 1922, (officially Ireland), a sovereign state that covers five-sixths of the island. Its capital is Dublin.

Disability Allowance in Ireland

This is a long-term means-tested weekly allowance made to people with a disability from the age of 16 onwards. The disability must be expected to last at least a year, and allowance is subject to medical suitability. If you qualify for Disability Allowance, you may also get extra social welfare benefit with your payment and other supplementary welfare payments.

Blind Welfare Allowance

This is a means-tested supplementary payment to a person who is blind or has low vision and is getting a maintenance payment from the Department of Social and Family Affairs (such as Disability Allowance), and who needs extra support or resources to meet their needs.

Disability Statistics for Ireland 2006 - 2007

• Among children, 6% are affected by a disability.
• More than one-fifth (21%) of adults in Northern Ireland have at least one disability.
• There is a clear increase in disability with age, rising to 60% among those aged 75 and above.
• Among the very elderly, aged 85 and above, two-thirds are living with a disability or disabilities.
• Almost two out of every five households in Northern Ireland include at least one person with a limiting disability.
• Among children, the most common types of disabilities were linked with chronic illnesses, learning difficulties and social / behavioral difficulties.
• The most common types of disabilities reported by adults were associated with chronic illnesses, pain, mobility difficulties and dexterity difficulties.
• Results from the Northern Ireland Survey of people with Activity Limitations and Disabilities (NISALD) show that 18% of the Northern Ireland population of all ages living in private households face limitations in their daily living as a consequence of a disability or long-term condition.

Curated and edited by Ian C. Langtree, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Disabled World. This section is maintained by the Disabled World editorial team.

Last updated: 30 Dec 2025