Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
1090. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to detail the preparations being undertaken by her Department in advance of the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882); the guidance that is being issued by her Department to organisations and businesses in advance of the enactment of the directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39674/23]
View answerThe European Accessibility Act is an important EU Directive that will introduce mandatory minimum accessibility requirements for certain products and services across the European Union, applicable to economic operators in both the public and private sectors. The Act is currently being transposed by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, with the Act covering a range of products and services which have been identified as important for those with disabilities. These will be subject to the Act if they are brought onto the market after June 28 2025. In the context of the scope of the Act, I do not envisage specific guidance being required for the sectors and organisations supported by my Department.
I would note that my Department is committed to meeting its obligations on accessibility, and ensuring that the public have full access to our services and that this access is available to all equally. Among the steps taken in this regard are:
• My Department has appointed an Access Officer in accordance with Section 26 of Disability Act 2005. The role of the Access Officer is to co-ordinate the provision of assistance and guidance to persons with disabilities in accessing our services.
• My Department’s website operates under the Gov.ie banner. Amongst the work undertaken to date has been the ongoing improvement of content, particularly in terms of the use of Plain English. In that regard, Gov.ie partially complies with Level AA Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 standards and has a compliant accessibility statement available at www.gov.ie/en/help/accessibility
• My Department is committed to providing easy access to our services by offering a range of different ways for our customers to contact us, including in-person contact, by email, phone, and through our CallPal service.
• My Department has a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) in place to ensure that the Department meets its obligations under relevant employment legislation as well as adhering to best practice guidelines in relation to the employment of people with disabilities. The core function of the DLO is to assist and support staff with disabilities and their line managers by the provision of necessary information, appropriate contacts, guidance, suggestions and advice and they ensure reasonable accommodation is place for those staff who require it. In addition, the DLO also plays an important role in promoting awareness about disability across the department and liaising with the National Disability Authority (NDA).
The Department of Rural and Community Development will continue to progress relevant accessibility requirements, including any future requirements which may emerge.
