Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1677. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the way his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit undertake disability impact assessments; the process by which these assessments are monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34914/21]
View answerThe Cabinet Handbook requires that Memorandums for the Government should indicate clearly the impacts of the proposal under a number of headings, including employment; gender equality; poverty or social exclusion; people with disabilities; and rural communities. In addition, when conducting a Regulatory Impact Analysis, the impact of the legislative proposal, including the costs and benefits of each option, must be considered under various headings including the impact on the socially excluded or vulnerable groups.
Disability proofing of all substantive proposals requiring Government approval is mandatory, and Disability Impact Assessment is the process used for carrying out such disability proofing. It involves a comprehensive examination of how any proposed policy, legislation, programme or service impacts on a person with a disability. The analysis should consider all potential impacts, both positive and negative. It is a requirement that all substantive Memoranda should indicate the impact on people with disabilities.
Information in respect of the bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.
