Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

503. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to make disability access training compulsory for technical and planning staff within each local authority. [7316/25]

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

506. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to make disability equity and awareness training compulsory for all local authority staff. [7319/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 503 and 506 together.

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible. Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions. I have no role or function in relation to staff training in local authorities.

Section 47 (1)(a) of the Disability Act 2005 requires that local authorities, in so far as practicable, to take all reasonable measures to promote and support the employment by it of persons with disabilities. Section 48 (2) of the Disability Act 2005 provides that local authorities must collect data on employees and especially employees with disabilities on an annual basis. My Department collates this information and submits it to the National Disability Authority for inclusion in their Annual Report which is available on the National Disability Authority website: .

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

504. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to make funding available for each local authority for accessibility auditing and accessibility improvements to services to the public. [7317/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions. Local authorities have broad 'general competence' to take action in relation to local matters, such as accessibility improvements, with little direct involvement of Central Government.The Disability Act 2005 places a statutory obligation on public bodies, including local authorities, to support access to services and facilities, for people with disabilities. Under Section 149 of the Local Government Act 2001, the Chief Executive of a local authority is responsible for the executive functions of the local authority, and for that purpose to manage and control generally, the administration and business of the authority, subject to law.

The funding system that applies to local authorities is a complex one, as authorities derive their income from a variety of local sources including commercial rates, Local Property Tax (LPT), charges for goods and services and funding from Central Government. My Department does not however provide specific funding to local authorities for the purpose outlined in the question.

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

505. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to make funding available for each local authority to ensure each event organised by the local authority would have individuals’ accessibility needs addressed. [7318/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions. Local authorities have broad “general competence” to take action in relation to local matters, such as the organisation of events, with little direct involvement of Central Government.

The Disability Act 2005 places a statutory obligation on public bodies, including local authorities, to support access to services and facilities, for people with disabilities. Under Section 149 of the Local Government Act 2001, the Chief Executive of a local authority is responsible for the executive functions of the local authority, and for that purpose to manage and control generally, the administration and business of the authority, subject to law.

The funding system that applies to local authorities is a complex one, as authorities derive their income from a variety of local sources including commercial rates, Local Property Tax (LPT), charges for goods and services and funding from Central Government. My Department does not however provide specific funding to local authorities for the purpose outlined in the question.