Departmental Websites

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021

Tuesday, 15 June 2021

Questions (609)

Holly Cairns

Question:

609. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit are meeting the requirement to have a statement on the compliance of their websites and mobile applications with the regulations under the directive 2016/2102 (EU), as articulated in SI No. 358/2020 - European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31286/21]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department is actively in the process of adjusting websites to meet the needs of its users. Websites will be scanned and/or checked to meet the principles set out in the Website Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1 at AA level. This is an ongoing process as content changes. Along with scanning and implementation of WCAG guidelines, each site shall also be accompanied with an “Accessibility Statement”.

Compliance will be incorporated as part of all procurement undertaken in respect of Website and Application support and development.

My Department does not maintain the requested information in respect of the State bodies under its aegis. These State bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas as set out in the attached table.

Doc 1