Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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162. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to make grants available to SMEs to ensure that their websites are accessible for those with disabilities; if it will become a requirement of the trading online voucher scheme that websites are accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59907/22]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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My Department through the enterprise development agencies provides a range of tailored supports for enterprises of all sizes in Ireland. Supports include access to finance, management development, mentoring supports, business development programmes, market supports and trade promotion.

Through Enterprise Ireland the Department ensures the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. Enterprise Ireland work in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate, and win export sales in global markets.

The Local Enterprise Offices aim to promote entrepreneurship, foster business start-ups, and develop existing micro and small businesses to drive job creation and to provide accessible high-quality supports for your business ideas.

The Trading Online Voucher scheme, available through the Local Enterprise Offices, is designed to encourage microenterprises (10 or less employees), with little or no online presence, to trade more online, boost sales and reach new markets. The scheme offers financial assistance of up to €2,500 with co-funding of 50% from the business along with training and advice to help them trade online. The Trading Online Voucher scheme cuts the cost of developing an online trading capacity and makes this investment very affordable for many small businesses.

All assistance available through the Local Enterprise Offices are awarded based on an identified business need.

The promotion of accessibility in all facets of life, including websites, is an essential precondition for ensuring that people with disabilities can fully participate in our society.

Under the European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020, all public sector bodies are required to make their websites and mobile applications accessible for people with disabilities. These Regulations do not apply to the private sector.

To support the promotion of web accessibility, guidelines and technical standards have been developed at international and European levels. At national level, the National Disability Authority (NDA) has produced extensive guidance and codes of practice around accessibility. The NDA will provide guidance to any provider. A Centre of Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) has also been established in NDA to promote the principles of accessibility and universal design, including in relation to ICT.