Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
76. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit undertake disability impact assessments; the process by which these assessments are monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34869/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and the agencies under its remit are committed to disability inclusion and to fulfilling the obligations set out in the ‘National Disability Inclusion Strategy’ (2017-2021).
In line with the Government’s Comprehensive Employment Strategy for Persons with Disabilities, the Department and agencies operate a policy of equality of opportunity for all staff, including having codes of practice for the employment of people with disabilities in place. Supports for access to buildings are provided for staff and visitors, and publications are made available in accessible formats. Our Access Officers are available to assist and guide persons with disabilities, to access to the widest possible extent, the full range of services that we provide. A number of disability impact assessments/access assessments of agency offices have taken place, including the engagement of specialist Access Consultants to assist with these.
In line with National Disability Authority and best practice advice, the agencies under the remit of my Department take an approach of delivering inclusive services. Work is on-going and examples include:
- Enterprise Ireland has developed a draft “Disability Inclusion Strategy – Supporting Entrepreneurship”. This draft strategy has been developed in line with best practice and has been developed in consultation with a number of disability bodies and people with disabilities.
- In March 2021 Enterprise Ireland, in partnership with the National Disability Authority, held an online event on how Inclusive / Universal Design principals provide opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship for people with disabilities.
- The Health and Safety Authority has published an employer’s guide, applying inclusive health and safety practices for employees with disabilities, and highlighting the need for disability impact assessments.
- The National Standards Authority of Ireland continues to develop and promote the use of standards and guidelines in areas such as Universal Design and accessibility, and where appropriate, reference is made to the Government Guidelines on how to ‘Conduct a Disability Impact Assessment’ when new policies or procedures come under consideration.
