Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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93. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on providing fully accessible changing places and toilet facilities open to the public in all buildings which his Department owns and public bodies and agencies under his remit to offer people with disabilities and carers a network of equipped spaces to take care of personal hygiene, in safety and comfort.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38717/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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All my Department's offices are either owned or leased by the OPW. My Department does not provide services directly to members of the public and as such our offices are not considered public buildings. If someone with a disability is attending a meeting in my Department’s offices they can avail of the accessible facilities there.The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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94. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way that 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). [38735/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department is committed to providing an inclusive work environment. Our Statement of Strategy, Le Chéile 23, is underpinned by the values set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan and a commitment to human rights, equality and anti-discrimination.

A Departmental Consultative Committee on Disability (DCC) has been established in my Department and provides a forum for engagement with Departmental officials, representatives of the Disability Stakeholders Group, the National Disability Authority and relevant Agencies. The Committee is responsible for implementing actions outlined in the National Disability Inclusion Strategy where the Department and/or its Agencies have a role. That includes actions in relation to policy around Communications, Web Accessibility, Emergency Call Answering, and HR and Corporate issues such as recruitment, accommodation and accessibility in the Department.

The Department’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Group was established last year with the aim to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace. This Group is a cross representative group and will play an integral role in driving forward the Department’s vision for inclusion, diversity and equality.

The information requested regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.