Sir, – This summer, children with disabilities from several EU member states have travelled across Europe with the benefit of a European Disability Card, making it easier to have their disability recognised and to access appropriate concessions, assistance or priority arrangements.
Irish children have not had that advantage. For their families, travelling abroad can therefore mean carrying unfamiliar Irish documentation, explaining a child’s disability repeatedly and hoping that an attraction, transport provider or other service will accept the evidence presented.
For families already managing the additional practical demands associated with disability, this creates entirely avoidable uncertainty and stress. In 2024, the EU legislated for a European Disability Card throughout the union, with the system due to become operational generally by 2028.
Ireland will therefore be required to introduce it in any event. The question is why should Irish families have to wait?
RM Block
Member states such as Belgium, Italy, Slovenia and Finland have already operated European Disability Card schemes. If Ireland were to prioritise implementation now, there is no obvious reason why Irish cards could not be available before the 2027 summer holiday season. Otherwise, next summer risks becoming another lost year.
Children from other EU countries will continue to enjoy facilitated travel and readily recognisable proof of disability, while Irish children and their parents remain dependent on explanations, paperwork and goodwill. Early implementation would be an easily implemented administrative measure, but one capable of making a very real difference to families. – Yours, etc,
Prof CIARÁN BURKE,
Jena Center for Reconciliation Studies,
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena,
Germany.
