Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 July 2021
30. 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 are implementing Action 32 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [38507/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to inclusion, with equality of opportunity for all, regardless of disability, gender, civil or family status, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, race or membership of the Traveller Community.
In 2018 my Department established a Disability Consultative Committee (DCC), in line with the Government’s ‘National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-21’. The DCC's purpose is to provide a focus for disability inclusion in respect of the policy work, schemes and initiatives of the Department. Membership of the Group includes nominated representatives of disability groups along with Departmental officials and representatives from the Department’s Offices and Agencies. The DCC also reviews my Department’s actions under the 'Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with a Disability 2015-24'.
The DCC meet regularly, with an upcoming meeting on 23rd July, and also proactively engages with its membership through regular email correspondence on relevant matters.
My Department has two Access Officers who are specially assigned staff members responsible for coordinating assistance and guidance for people with disabilities. This helps them to access, to the widest possible extent, the full range of services that we provide, including how best to access our buildings, as well as the range of publications in alternate formats that we have available.
In support of staff who work in my Department, we promote disability inclusion through our Disability Liaison Officer who acts as a contact for staff with disabilities, to assist them, and to assist in the implementation of best Human Resource practices in line with equality legislation. This role also includes the organisation of work placements in my Department for people with disabilities, specifically for the Willing and Mentoring project. This project provides the opportunity for people with disabilities to gain experience in different workplaces through coaching and mentoring, as well as building the capacity of employers to integrate disability into the workplace.
