Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 July 2021
165. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit are implementing Action 16 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [38481/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs is fully committed to ensuring the promotion of accessibility and universal design principles with regard to all aspects of our public service delivery. My Department’s forthcoming ICT Strategy 2021-2025 will ensure accessibility is a priority in the development of new ICT services and systems, including assistance for colleagues with disabilities. Similarly, the Department takes its obligations in relation to web accessibility, including online service delivery, very seriously, and we are committed to meeting the requirements as set out in S.I. No. 358/2020 – European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020. Regular reviews of our websites is carried out to monitor progress and quality in this regard. We strive to achieve AA standard under WCAG 2.1 Guidelines.
Through our dedicated websites, my Department also provides users with the opportunity to directly contact the Department’s Disability Liaison Officer should they require support in accessing any service. Service users can also use this platform to provide feedback/complaints to the Disability Liaison Officer on any aspect of the delivery of our services. When communicating with the public, my Department follows the recommendations of the National Adult Literacy Agency in using plain language and has staff trained in delivery of services through Irish Sign Language. When completing a Passport Online application, a specific option is also available for applicants to select if they have difficulties, for example supplying a passport photo that meets our requirements, for instance in the case of a disability that makes it difficult to get a passport photo taken.
Lastly, my Department rolled out comprehensive disability awareness training to all staff in March 2021. This training will further assist with raising awareness of disabilities and the importance of accessibility and universal design in all areas of my Department’s work.
