Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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551. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline his engagement with the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media concerning the lack of accessibility at a publicly funded tourist attraction (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21675/23]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, I am very aware of the barriers and challenges faced by persons with disabilities in terms of the accessibility of everyday life.

I am committed to advancing the rights and interests of persons with disabilities, in line with the State’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Article 9 of the UNCRPD requires states to take appropriate measures to ensure equal access to facilities and services for people with disabilities. At national level, the Disability Act 2005 also places obligations on public bodies to make public buildings, information, services and heritage sites accessible.

To date, UNCRPD measures have been coordinated under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (2017-2022), which aimed to support implementation of Ireland's obligations under the UNCRPD, including in relation to accessibility. The NDIS recently concluded and a successor strategy is currently being developed as a matter of priority. The promotion of accessibility will be an important feature of the new strategy.

While my Department has a policy coordination role in relation to disability matters, it is important to note that in line with the UNCRPD, all departments and public bodies are responsible for ensuring that the needs and interests of persons with disabilities are met within their respective areas of responsibility. This is to ensure that the the principle of disability inclusion is mainstreamed across State services and policies.

As such, my Department has no direct role or powers in the regulation of tourist sites. Responsibility for tourism lies with my colleague the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Actions 75, 76 and 126 under the NDIS pertained to the promotion of participation, inclusion and universal design in the context of cultural facilities and activities. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media had lead responsibility for these actions.

As part of its coordination role on national disability policy, my Department works closely with colleagues right across Government to raise awareness of our obligations under the UNCRPD and to remove barriers to accessibility for people with disabilities. I will continue to do this as we seek to ensure the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in our society.