Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
2088. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the facilities that his Department provides for persons with intellectual disabilities to process forms for grants and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40402/22]
View answerMy Department aims to ensure that the needs of all its customers, including people with disabilities, are met and that the rights of equal treatment are upheld in the delivery of services.
My Department's Statement of Strategy 2021-2024 sets out as one of our core values "A strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and the fair and equal treatment of all." These core values are embraced in respect of both our own employees and customer of the Department who avail of our wide range of services.
In accordance with Section 26(2) of the Disability Act 2005, two Access Officers are appointed who are responsible for providing or arranging for, assistance and guidance to persons with disabilities accessing services provided by the Department, when requested, and generally to act as a point of contact for people wishing to access such services. For instance, my Department commissioned a digital recording of all our schemes and services at the to assist a customer with reading difficulties and provided Irish Sign Language Interpretation services.
In addition to the Access Officers, Department officials are available in all regions to provide assistance to applicants who have questions or concerns on any scheme operated by the Department.
Our move to the gov.ie portal enabled the Department to redesign its website to comply with the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) and National Disability Authority (NDA) guidelines. This includes ensuring content is at a suitable reading comprehension level.
In compliance with EU Regulations, applications for farm payments can only be made online via the AgFood.ie portal. There are guides to assist farmers with these applications, and farmers may also use an advisor to complete their application. Additionally and with a view to assisting all farmers, but of particular benefit to those with disabilities, each year my Department runs a series of in-person clinics in various locations around the country in order to assist farmers apply for schemes where online access may be limited, or where the farmer needs assistance. In 2022, these clinics were held in 20 locations during April and May.
Another example of enhanced accessibility options is the TAMS II computer system, which is designed so that the applicant can have their farm advisor complete the application and claim process.
We have developed our on-line self-service options which means that our customers are not obliged to visit an office and can complete their submissions at a time and pace that suits them. We also maintain our phone helplines for customers that prefer to access our services in this manner. There is also an option for a customer to nominate a representative such as a family member to liaise on their behalf.
