Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2007
273 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the services and facilities available to persons with a hearing disability who wish to phone his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10956/07]
View answerIn keeping with the principles contained in my Department's Customer Charter and the requirements of the Disability Act, my Department endeavours to ensure, insofar as is practicable, that information provided orally is also available in an accessible format where required by persons with a hearing impairment.
An internal advisory group monitors the provision of services to persons with a disability and an Access Officer has also been appointed to assist in identifying and meeting particular needs in this field. Insofar as oral communication is concerned, and taking into account the inherent limitations of telephone services in assisting persons with a hearing impairment, the Department's policy emphasises the use of alternative two-way communication formats, especially email, as well as the provision in a written format of information which might otherwise be sought orally. In this latter regard, a major project to enhance the content and accessibility of the Department's website is currently at an advanced stage. Particular emphasis will be placed on making available comprehensive FAQ and Application Forms sections on the website, so as to reduce the necessity to make oral contact with the Department for routine enquiries or information requests. The Department has also been introducing loop systems in its key buildings in order to make communication easier and will continue to monitor the best means of meeting the needs of this particular group of customers.
