Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

To the best of my knowledge, the websites to which the Deputy referred are compliant with standards in this area. The Commission for Public Service Appointments must adhere to defined standards in devising panels for vacancies. In line with the requirements of the Disability Act, my Department has appointed an inquiry officer to deal with complaints where the Department fails to comply with the Act, and an access officer to ensure compliance. The standards to which we adhere are up-to-date and, as I understand it, in accordance with those of external regulatory bodies.

A monitoring committee comprising staff from all departmental divisions, bodies under the aegis of those Departments and union representatives was established last June. That committee is obliged to approve a report on compliance with the Act to the National Disability Authority by June each year and to report to the Cabinet committee on social exclusion. The National Disability Authority is currently investigating best practice methods to capture and record information on disability. I cannot say whether the standards we have imposed accord with the latest international guidelines but there is no doubt that they are being implemented.

See this speech in context