Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
898. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health to detail the preparations being undertaken by his Department in advance of the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882); the guidance that is being issued by his Department to organisations and businesses in advance of the enactment of the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39670/23]
View answerThe European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an important EU Directive that will introduce mandatory minimum accessibility requirements for certain products and services in the EU.
The Directive is both broad and deep in scope and covers a range of commonly used products and services that are important for daily life. It advocates for a universal design or ‘design for all’ approach to accessibility, which means ensuring access to products and services for persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others. The deadline for implementation of the Directive is 28 June 2025.
The Government recognises the importance of the EAA as a tool for increasing the availability of accessible products and services in the EU. Implementation of the Directive will benefit citizens with accessibility needs, including persons with disabilities and the elderly, as well as creating opportunities for Irish and European businesses trading in accessible goods and services.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has been working for a considerable period of time to coordinate transposition of this complex Directive with a range of Government Departments including my Department. During these discussions and after conducting extensive analysis of the implications of the Directive, it was concluded that my Department would maintain a watching brief during the duration of the transposition period, particularly in relation to disability services.
Policy responsibility for disability services has since moved to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. My Department remains committed to working with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth on any implications resulting from the transposition and implementation of the Directive.
