James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Their work should certainly not be treated as an add-on; it should be focused on ensuring compliance with the Disability Act. We have had a number of these officers in my local authority in County Wexford. They have been absolutely excellent in ensuring that the relevant requirements are met. I will certainly reach out to the local authorities to remind them of the importance of this role. I will also remind them that the role should be focused on the terms of what the officers involved should be doing, that is, ensuring people with disabilities have fair and equitable access – not just equality but actual equitable access - and ensuring their rights are being upheld. This is a human rights issue.

The needs of people with disabilities are something with which I am particularly familiar. This is certainly a matter on which I will follow up. If the Deputy has any particular situations to highlight, he should provide the details to me and I will follow up on them.

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