Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
427. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the way her Department and public bodies and agencies under her remit undertake disability impact assessments; the process by which these assessments are monitored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34875/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that all proposals brought to Government are required to assess and declare that there are no impacts for the following: North/South or East/West relations, jobs, gender equality, poverty proofing, competitiveness and industry costs, rural communities, quality regulation and people with disabilities. Proposals from my Department undergo an assessment of impact on people with disabilities before being brought to Cabinet.
Impact assessment is also a core element of the current system of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA), which is a requirement for all Departments submitting policy proposals to Government involving legislative changes. The Regulatory Impact Analysis process specifically requires assessment of the impact on socially excluded or vulnerable groups of people.
As the Deputy is also aware, 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.
