Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2021
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Equality Proofing of Policies
53. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the way his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit undertake disability impact assessments; and the process by which these assessments are monitored. [34879/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cabinet Handbook provides that any Memorandum for the Government seeking approval for legislation involving changes to the regulatory framework, including the transposition of EU Directives and Regulations, or for a Government Order involving changes to the regulatory framework must be accompanied by a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA). One aspect of the RIA is an assessment of the impact of a proposal on people with disabilities. Where no requirement for a RIA arises, substantive Memoranda for the Government should indicate the impact of the proposal in question on people with disabilities.
Specific guidelines for all Government Departments on conducting disability impact assessments have been drawn up by the Department of Justice and the National Disability Authority and are available at www.justice.ie.
While my Department may have an involvement in many areas of policy, legislation is brought forward by the Departments that have specific and detailed areas of responsibility. The lead responsibility for policies and legislation relating to people with disabilities lies with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The impacts of public policy on persons with disabilities is monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis by Government Departments, bodies and agencies in their respective sectors.
