Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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141. To ask the Minister for Finance the way in which his Department is improving services and increasing supports for persons with disabilities during 2017. [37737/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the Deputy's question is focused in particular on my Department's Website, Audio & Telecommunications Services which are available to external customers and users.

I am please to confirm that, in line with the commitments set out in our Customer Charter, our newly relaunched Departmental website has been designed with the aim of achieving conformance Level AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and the relevant National Disability Authority IT accessibility guidelines. 

As previously set out in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 13 July 2017, my Department is aware of its obligations as set out in the Disability Act of 2005. In line with the legislation a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) and Access Officers are in place within the Department. The contact details for these officers are available on the Department's website:

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The Department works closely with the National Disability Authority (NDA)  in ensuring its compliance with the legislation in relation to the employment of persons with disabilities and since 2014, the Department's obligations under the legislation have been satisfied.

The DLO attends bi-monthly Disability Liaison Officer Network meetings to share knowledge and assist other DLOs across the Civil Service, as well as engaging with staff in accessing training and learning events, where needed. An example of engagement includes during 2016 and 2017, the Department employed speed typists to assist staff at various learning events.

Over the last year, a major refurbishment project was undertaken by OPW in Government Buildings on Merrion Street. As part of this project, electronic access doors have been installed to assist the movement of staff across our campus. Furthermore, ergonomic assessments have been undertaken for staff in both the Merrion Street campus and in our offices in Tullamore. This assessment programme will be rolled out to staff at other locations in the coming months.