Parents of children with a disability have claimed they are victims of “retaliation” by bodies including schools and the HSE if they complain about their child not being able to access services.

Eight Irish scientists have been awarded a prestigious European Research Council Starting Grant, worth up to €2m each, towards ambitious high-risk, high-gain projects, or “blue sky research”.

A stronger voice may emerge for people with disabilities on legal reforms in areas such as sexual consent, criminal responsibility or medical treatment from a new research project.

Last week the Government announced the establishment of an ex-gratia redress scheme for women who underwent symphysiotomy.