Vol. 449 No. 7
36 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Finance the steps, if any, he has taken to improve physical access to information and rights for all citizens, including those with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1911/95]
As the Deputy is aware, the Government is committed to implementing a range of reform measures, as set out in its policy document, A Government of Renewal, which will among other things address the issues raised in the Deputy's question.Specifically, it is our clear intention to undertake wide innovation to improve physical access to information and rights for both able-bodied citizens and those with a disability, including: the improvement of the environment in public buidlings; better sign-posting of services; staggered or extended opening hours; common location of field offices or one stop shops and reciprocal case handling arrangements.
The implementation of these measures is largely a matter for individual Ministers together with their Departments and Offices, who are required, in the context of the Strategic Management Initiative which is currently under way in the Civil Service, to develop proposals for the improvement of service quality/delivery as a key element in their strategy statements. My Department is currently examining the question of service quality/delivery with a view to determining what additional action, if any, might be required in connection with the types of improvements which I have specifically mentioned. This action is being taken in the context of the Strategic Managment Initiative, the Government's policy agreement and the recent report of the National Economic and Social Forum, Quality Delivery of Social Services.
With specific regard to the disabled, my Department issued a code of practice last year for the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service, covering issues such as recruitment, career development, accommodation and equipment and safety and evacuation procedures. In addition, my Department is currently represented on the monitoring committee for the employment of people with disabilities established under the Programme for Competiveness and Work.
