Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 586: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the services and facilities available to persons with a hearing disability who wish to telephone his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10951/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department does not have any specific facilities available to persons with a hearing disability who wish to phone the Department. However, the Department is fully committed to the equitable provision of services to persons with disabilities and to compliance with the Disability Act 2005. The Department has recently installed an induction loop system at the reception desks of its 3 main Dublin buildings to facilitate persons with a hearing disability if they visit the Department in person. Visitors to the Department with a hearing disability may also avail of a sign language service by appointment. The Department engages sign language translators for major events and has organised sign language training for staff to ensure the persons with a hearing disability are facilitated.

The Department's Customer Action Plan identifies the role of electronic service delivery as a key to transcending physical and geographical barriers to services. As a consequence of this the Department's website has undergone significant redesign, in compliance with high-level web content accessibility guidelines, to enhance its user friendliness and accessibility to those with disabilities.