Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received and reviewed the National Council for the Blind of Ireland's general election manifesto for 2007; if he will bring forward measures to implement the NCBI's recommendations to improve access to communications and information technology for citizens who are blind or vision impaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11363/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I have received the National Council for the Blind's General Election manifesto for 2007. My Department's Disability Sectoral Plan 2006-2009, under the Disability Act 2005, sets targets for improving the range of accessible services in all sectors under its aegis including communications. The Plan will be reviewed every three years and amended and updated as necessary.

Under the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) Universal Service and Users' Rights) Regulations 2003, the Universal Service Provider is required to implement specific measures for disabled end-users. Responsibility for the enforcement of these regulations lies with the Commission for Communications Regulations (ComReg).

The NCBI manifesto asks for a number of tax concessions and subsidies in the area of: accessible books, pensions, transport and access to ICTs.

While many of these are outside my immediate remit, you can be assured that all their submissions will be carefully considered. Addressing the needs of people with disabilities is a priority of this Government and will continue to be so.