CRPD recovers over 1,600 misused Blue Badges

The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) has recovered more than 1,600 expired or illegally used Blue Badges during 2025, along with related police reports and affidavits, to ensure that parking spaces reserved for persons with disability remain available to those who genuinely depend on them.

"2025 was a year of progress and collaboration. While much of our work happens behind the scenes, the results show the difference being made, with consistent enforcement, joint efforts and continued promotion of rights," said Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disability, Rhoda Garland.

A further 72 fake badges were confiscated, while over 4,100 letters were sent to people still using expired Blue Badges. The enforcement office also conducted 52 inspections following reports of abuse and provided 18 hours of training to 176 law enforcement officers to strengthen awareness and enforcement efforts nationwide.

These figures were published in the Commission's 2025 Annual Report, which was presented to the Minister for Inclusion and Voluntary Organisations, Julia Farrugia. 

Alongside the Blue Badge enforcement work, the CRPD processed 992 applications under the Therapy Refund Scheme during the year, issuing €581,844 in refunds to support families of children with disability, regardless of their tax status.

Farrugia said that the CRPD's work is expanding across various areas, not just in public outreach on disability rights but also through the government’s enhanced therapy refund service. Over the past year, more than 1,000 applications were processed, and more than half a million euros in refunds were issued. 

Additionally, around 3,700 people were trained to provide appropriate support to persons with disabilities. This demonstrates ongoing efforts to improve services and promote inclusion.

More than 3,700 people took part in Disability Equality training organised by the CRPD during 2025. These sessions, led by trainers with direct experience of disability, aimed to build greater awareness of disability and promote a more inclusive culture in schools, public bodies, private organisations and among law enforcement agencies.

In 2025, the Commission handled 467 complaints of disability discrimination, mostly about physical accessibility. It provided advice, conducted on-site inspections, and intervened, resulting in better accessibility and fairness in education, employment, and access to goods and services.

A total of 2,668 planning applications were also examined, of which 57% complied with accessibility requirements. At the same time, 165 on-site inspections were carried out to verify compliance with the Access for All Design guidelines.

Beyond its operational functions, the CRPD continued to promote rights through national awareness campaigns and training in Easy Language, and to contribute to legislative amendments aimed at further embedding inclusion in policies and services.

On a European level, the Commission concluded the E.A.S.E. project, which helped service providers adopt Easy Language practices, while continuing to work on initiatives that promote the inclusion of autistic young people and strengthen environmental accessibility.

During 2025, the CRPD also continued to expand its workforce and modernise its internal systems. Of its 49 employees, almost half are persons with disabilities