Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
50. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if grant schemes run by her Department have a quota on the number of successful applications that must incorporate measures to increase accessibility for disabled people; if not, if she will consider such quotas for future applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27823/22]
View answerIn delivering on its mission, my Department provides a wide range of strategic interventions, funding programmes and policies to support communities and individuals, including people with disabilities. A large proportion of my Department’s schemes already provide support to people with disabilities and it is not intended to add a specific requirement for a quota at this time.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) supports disadvantaged communities and individuals, including people with disabilities. The Community Services Programme (CSP) works on a social enterprise model and supports community businesses to provide local services and create employment opportunities for disadvantaged people including those with disabilities.
Other funding programmes delivered by my Department, such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Community Enhancement Programme, can provide capital support for new or upgraded works in the public realm which can increase accessibility for people with disabilities. The Clár Programme this year also had a measure targeted specifically at people with mobility challenges.
One of the objectives of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), which is administered by my Department, is to facilitate the development of outdoor recreational facilities that are accessible to people with disabilities and older people. In developing the scheme my Department has worked with Cara which is a national pan-disability sport organisation providing a collaborative and partnership platform to increase sport and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities across Ireland.
Project applicants under ORIS are required to indicate how the proposed project is inclusive of people with disabilities and older adults, and this forms part of the assessment criteria used to evaluate applications under the scheme.
Lastly, the Deputy will be aware that all public bodies in Ireland have responsibility, under the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty or Public Sector Duty, to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of their employees, customers, service users, and everyone affected by their policies and plans. This is a legal obligation and is contained in Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Act 2014.
