Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

178. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit are implementing Action 16 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [38476/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to advise the Deputy, in my Department we are committed to the use of Plain English across our external communications channels, including websites, as part of our commitment to promote accessibility.

When the Civil Defence website was developed it met the Accessibility Guidelines of 1.0, which were the guidelines at the time of development. The accessibility statement on the Civil Defence website can be accessed on the Civil Defence website, civildefence.ie. The Department of Defence has engaged with the developers of the Civil Defence website in order to review and report on what action is needed in order to comply with the updated Accessibility Guidelines 2.10.

In relation to public safety campaigns, the Office of Emergency Planning websites provide information tailored for people living with disabilities, as evidenced by the public safety campaigns, including, ‘Be Winter Ready’ and ‘Be Summer Ready'.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

179. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit are implementing Action 32 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [38505/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) 2017-2021 is the key framework for policy and action to address the needs of people with disabilities. Its aim is to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Ireland.

My Department is committed to doing all that is reasonable to assist people with disabilities seeking to avail of or access statutory entitlements or services provided by or under statute. It should be noted that my Department does not operate any public offices, nor does it generally supply direct services to the public.

The only State body currently under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board which is an independent statutory body, established under the Army Pensions Act 1927 and consisting of a chairman and two ordinary members. The Secretary to the Board is provided from the staff of my Department and therefore, any service requests will be supplied by my Department.

In compliance with Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005, my Department has undertaken, where practicable, to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities. The Department continues to operate in a non-discriminatory environment in accordance with the Equality Acts and aims to ensure that the principles of employment equality are implemented in recruitment, promotion, training and work experience. Recruitment to my Department is open to all applicants, and reasonable accommodation is afforded to those with a declared disability.

I will continue to work with my Government colleagues on matters arising in the area of disability.