Minister Emer Higgins champions Irish equality data in Brussels
Minister Emer Higgins showcased Ireland's pioneering strategy for collecting equality metrics during a high-profile European summit in Brussels. The gathering aimed to guide the European Commission in formulating robust new recommendations across member states.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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Minister of State Emer Higgins addressed a high-level roundtable in Brussels to showcase Ireland's pioneering approach to equality data. She shared crucial insights from the National Equality Data Strategy 2026-2031, which serves as a pioneering framework within Europe designed to improve how government bodies collect and utilise vital statistical evidence.
During her address, the Minister emphasised that reliable metrics are essential for exposing hidden disparities and shaping targeted policies that genuinely improve citizens' lives, particularly for individuals with disabilities. She noted that robust information replaces outdated assumptions with concrete evidence, ensuring that vulnerable communities are neither overlooked nor left behind by policymakers.
European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib praised Ireland's proactive leadership during the two-day symposium, which gathered international experts, policymakers, and civil society organisations. The collaborative discussions are set to directly inform the European Commission's upcoming continent-wide recommendations on ethical data collection and fundamental rights protection.
During her address, the Minister emphasised that reliable metrics are essential for exposing hidden disparities and shaping targeted policies that genuinely improve citizens' lives, particularly for individuals with disabilities. She noted that robust information replaces outdated assumptions with concrete evidence, ensuring that vulnerable communities are neither overlooked nor left behind by policymakers.
European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib praised Ireland's proactive leadership during the two-day symposium, which gathered international experts, policymakers, and civil society organisations. The collaborative discussions are set to directly inform the European Commission's upcoming continent-wide recommendations on ethical data collection and fundamental rights protection.
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