The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Michael McDowell, T.D., today formally launched a new Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information provided by Public Bodies.  This Code was launched in conjunction with 6 Department Sectoral Plans under the Disability Act 2005 as part of the implementation of the National Disability Strategy initiated by the Government in 2004. 

Under the Act, all public bodies, subject to certain considerations provided for in the Act, are required to ensure that access to services is integrated and to provide assistance to people accessing services.  Services and goods supplied to all public bodies are required to be accessible and communications and information provided by public bodies must be accessible. 

The Minister said "This code is an important element of the National Disability Strategy launched by the Government in September 2004.  Just as the aim of the strategy is to underpin the participation of people with disabilities in Irish society by building on existing policy and legislation, this new code enhances disability policy by assisting public bodies to make services and information accessible to people with disabilities."

The Minister thanked and acknowledged the contribution made by the National Disability Authority (NDA) in the production of the code of practice. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the NDA for drafting this code at my request, for their engagement with the sector during the consultation phase of this process, as well as their continued support and assistance to public bodies in making their information and services accessible to people with disabilities."

21 July 2006.