James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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55. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is an access officer assigned to the Passport Office, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29134/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department, which has responsibility for the Passport Service, has a designated officer in its Human Resources Section to act as Access Officer. The Access Officer co-ordinates the provision of assistance and guidance to people with disabilities in accessing services provided by my Department and generally to act as a point of contact for people with disabilities wishing to access such services.

The Department’s induction pack, which is provided to all new entrants, includes contact and role details for the Access Officer. The Department also has a dedicated Intranet page on disability issues. This acts as a central source of information for Departmental staff on all issues relating to disability.

The Department provides assistive technology and equipment to a number of staff with disabilities. Accommodation is provided as necessary for staff with disabilities participating in training sessions, seminars and promotion competitions organised by the Department.

The Department’s Customer Service Plan commits to regularly reviewing public offices to ensure that they meet occupational and safety standards and ensuring that the needs of staff and customers with disabilities are identified and catered for.