I propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 256 together.
In my capacity as Minister for the Environment, Climate Action and Communications I have responsibility for the European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020, which transposed the provisions of Directive 2016/2102 (EU) into Irish law.
The Office of the Government Chief Information Office (OGCIO), which is under the remit of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, is responsible for Gov.ie, the central platform that currently hosts a number of Government Departments’ websites, including that of the Department of Transport. The accessibility of the Department of Transport's content is largely determined by this platform.
The
compliant accessibility statement for
Gov.ie is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/help/accessibility.
The OGCIO has stated that the Gov.ie platform partially complies with the double-A Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 standards and the 4 principles of accessibility in that it is perceivable, operable, understandable and robust and that this is similar to most other government sites across the EU. It has also stated that one way that accessibility is being enhanced is by improving the level of plain English used for services on the site. This allows users of all levels to be able to find and understand information as quickly as is possible.
I understand that the gov.ie team in the OGCIO has performed multiple accessibility reviews since the website has gone live and has engaged with, and continues to engage with, an accessibility expert in relation to accessibility requirements. This ongoing process has led to updates being made to the core code of the site to improve accessibility.
The OGCIO has also stated that all other sites managed by it are currently being moved to a new Content Management System which has been built with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines compatibility in mind. The Department of Transport ensures that all content uploaded by it meets all accessibility requirements set out by the OGCIO in relation to the regulations.
Agencies under the remit of my Department are responsible in their own right for ensuring compliance with the Regulations. This PQ has been referred to the Agencies for direct reply. If a response is not received within 10 days please advise my private office.
