Rights of People with Disabilities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023

Tuesday, 20 June 2023

Questions (504)

Paul Murphy

Question:

504. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he agrees that all Government information must have a version that is accessible for people who may be neurologically different or who are not computer literate to ensure no one is excluded, for example, in relation to making a submission to raise concerns over a local building project; if he will work with local authorities to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to make a submission; and if will he make a statement on the matter. [29198/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I wholeheartedly recognise the importance of ensuring that information is accessible to people with disabilities. Accessibility is an essential prerequisite for supporting the full participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in our society. It is also a central principle of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to which Ireland is a signatory.

Under the Disability Act 2005, all public bodies are required to ensure that information and services are accessible to persons with disabilities. Each public body is required to appoint an Access Officer in order to provide any reasonable assistance a member of the public may require in terms of accessing services and information.

It is the obligation of all public bodies to promote accessibility within their areas of responsibility. Assistance and guidance to public bodies in this respect is available from the National Disability Authority, which houses the National Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. 

I will continue to work closely with colleagues across the public system as we work to generate greater awareness of the importance of accessibility for creating a more equal and inclusive society.