Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 374: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on appointing a disability officer at his Departments premises in Cumberland Street, Dublin 1 and other similar employment exchanges (details supplied) in view of the special needs of persons with physical or sensory disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24966/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Disability Act 2005 places significant responsibilities on public bodies to make their services accessible to people with disabilities where practicable and appropriate. A number of specific provisions are contained in the Act relating to accessibility of services for people with disabilities including access to Departmental Offices and information services.

The Act also includes the requirement to have Access Officers in place to provide assistance and guidance for people with disabilities in accessing services. A total of 25 Access Officers have been appointed within my Department. They have received training and are being supported in their role to co-ordinate the provision of assistance and guidance to persons with disabilities in accessing the services of the Department including those services provided at Local Offices such as North Cumberland Street. In addition, my Department's Disability Liaison Officer has responsibility to promote the interests of staff with disabilities and co-ordinate the achievement of the Department's objective of ensuring a supportive working environment that meets the particular needs of these staff.

My Department's Disability Sectoral Plan contains a comprehensive set of actions to ensure accessibility to its services including access to information and facilities and to provide a disability friendly organisation for both customers and staff. These actions include the implementation of a building and refurbishment programme to ensure that all of our offices meet with the standards identified in the Disability Act. In this regard, plans to re-locate the services currently provided in the North Cumberland Street Local Office to new premises, in the area, are at an advanced stage. It is expected that these new premises will be ready for occupation by the end of 2008.