Written Answers Nos. 328-349
328. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health if any website or other platform operated by her Department uses an AI-enabled chatbot; if there are plans to use chatbots; in what circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4837/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health uses the gov.ie platform, managed by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), to host its website. By doing so, it benefits from the strong infrastructure and technical support provided by the OGCIO. At present, the OGCIO is working on developing AI-powered chatbot technology for integration with the gov.ie platform.
This initiative is designed to give the public easy, real-time access to support for government services and information, in line with the Digital Public Services Plan 2030.
329. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health the total sums spent for each year from 2016 to 2025, inclusive of advertising, by her Department on social media or online platforms, including identifying separately payments to influencers on such platforms; and to set out the annual totals for that period to each specific platform, including but not limited to major platforms (details supplied). [4856/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department works alongside media buyers to select the most appropriate advertising mediums for the target audience and message for each campaign focused on providing effective advertising and good value for money. It is important to note that the figures laid out below include the period with expenditure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Department's COVID-19 pandemic communications included a comprehensive advertising campaign across both traditional and online media channels to ensure information reached the widest public audience possible ensuring the public were informed of the latest public health guidance.
The Department has used advertising to promote major initiatives, including the free contraception scheme and its extensions, Ireland's first national Menopause Awareness campaign, the expansion of the GP Visit Card scheme, and publicising new organ donation laws from the Human Tissue Bill.
A table outlining the details requested can be found below:
|
- |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Meta (Facebook and Instagram) |
€0 |
€0 |
€3,011 |
€8,881 |
€31,530 |
€99,363 |
€132,665 |
€103,207 |
€60,003 |
€161,020 |
|
|
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€646 |
€667 |
€1,243 |
€0 |
€19,964 |
|
X (formally known as Twitter) |
€0 |
€0 |
€3,300 |
€4,110 |
€12,243 |
€14,676 |
€68,793 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
TikTok |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€60,942 |
€54,050 |
€28,273 |
€0 |
€31,398 |
|
Total |
€0 |
€0 |
€6,311 |
€12,991 |
€43,773 |
€175,627 |
€256,175 |
€132,723 |
€60,003 |
€212,382 |
The Department of Health has not utilised influencers in any of our campaigns.
330. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Health the number of beds in Thomastown for respite for dementia patients at present; the number of beds that will be available for respite for dementia patients when the new building is open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4877/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
331. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if targeted recruitment incentives are being considered for RGNs in community settings, particularly in high pressure areas including Dublin Mid-West; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4991/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn behalf of the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, I would like to thank you for your correspondence.
The role of the Minister for Health is primarily to deal with legislation, policy, overall budgetary allocation, and corporate governance. The HSE is a separate entity to the Department of Health and as such, the HSE has responsibility for matters relating to the staff within their employ or staff going through the process of recruitment with the HSE's National Recruitment Service.
The Department have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
332. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if measures will be introduced to ensure the availability of more places for Irish students in dental schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4518/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is firmly committed to ensuring that Ireland’s healthcare system is supported by a steady and sustainable pipeline of highly skilled graduates, including in the area of oral healthcare and dentistry. My Department, working closely with the Department of Health, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and higher education institutions, plays a central role in supporting education and training capacity to meet evolving workforce needs.
Until recently, approximately 60 places per annum were available to Irish and EU students on dentistry programmes. I recognise that this represents a limited training pipeline at a time when demand for oral healthcare services is increasing. While the allocation of student places is a matter for higher education institutions, reflecting their autonomy and the significant practical and clinical constraints associated with dentistry programmes, my Department works collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to explore sustainable expansion where appropriate.
In this context, I welcome the establishment of a new Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, which commenced in 2025 following a targeted capacity expansion exercise led by the HEA. This programme will provide at least 20 additional dentistry places per annum for Irish and EEA students, representing a significant increase in national training capacity.
In addition, University College Cork has submitted a proposal to the Department of Health for capital funding to establish a dental outreach centre in North Cork. This initiative has the potential to increase undergraduate intake by a further 10 students annually and aligns with the community-based model set out in the Smile agus Sláinte national oral health policy. Discussions are currently ongoing between my Department and the Department of Health to progress this proposal and to maximise Irish and EU student places in order to ensure value for money. Separately, UCC is refurbishing its Dental School and Hospital at a cost of €15 million, co-funded by the Department of Health and the University.
More broadly, I am informed that the Department of Health is progressing a workforce census framework for the oral healthcare sector, which will provide a strong evidence base to inform future policy and training decisions. My Department stands ready to engage further with the Department of Health, the HEA and higher education institutions to ensure that dental education capacity continues to develop in a sustainable and evidence-based manner.
I want to assure the Deputy that expanding access to dental education for Irish students, where supported by clear workforce demand and system capacity, remains a priority for this Government, and I will continue to actively pursue this objective in partnership with all relevant stakeholders.
333. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he or any of his officials have used artificial intelligence to write speeches, produce social media content for his Department, or to issue responses to parliamentary questions, since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4595/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is tasked with building skills in new technologies and assisting their rollout. My Department is currently considering potential uses for the adoption of AI in its work, and a working group has been established to progress this. My officials occasionally utilise these technologies when generating work product and the circumstances in which AI is currently used by my officials include textual work, summarising and workshop structuring. Any such work is undertaken in strict adherence with the Guidelines for the Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service published in May 2025, which provide a practical framework to assist Public Service Bodies in designing, developing and deploying AI in a manner that is ethical, transparent and aligned with public service values. All outputs are subject to rigorous quality reviews with the process involving engagement at multiple points by humans. All text is reviewed and verified by a human and there are no AI systems in place that process citizens' information.
My Department continues to review and follow guidance issued by the National Cyber Security Centre, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation on the use of Artificial Intelligence.
334. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has a paid subscription with a social media company (details supplied). [4613/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not pay for premium access or verification on this platform (X). The Department account has a "grey tick", which is verification provided by the platform to indicate a Government organisation account, which is not a premium or paid service.
335. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline the eligibility rules for SUSI grant support for students undertaking undergraduate or postgraduate study in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4625/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to supports available for students studying outside of the State, the Student Grant Scheme provides maintenance grants to eligible students pursuing approved courses in other EU Member States and the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland.
The Student Grant Scheme does not extend to the payment of tuition fees to institutions outside the State, other than for exceptional provision in respect of the four postgraduate courses in Northern Ireland:
• Queen University Belfast.
• University of Ulster.
• St Mary’s College of Education Belfast.
• Stranmillis College Belfast.
The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). It provides grant assistance to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
An Eligibility Indicator is provided by SUSI to assist in deciding if one should apply for a student grant. An Eligibility Indicator on SUSI's website www.susi.ie provides an approximate indication of the possible eligibility for grant funding based on the information that is provided in response to the questions asked. SUSI is expected to open for new applications in April 2026 and the eligibility calculator for the 26/27 academic year will be available at that point.
In addition to this, information on SUSI supports for students studying outside the state in 25/26, including students undertaking courses in Northern Ireland, can be found here: www.susi.ie/eligibility-criteria/income/outside-the-state-income-thresholds-and-grant-award-rates/
Information for 26/27 will be updated in due course.
Irish students studying at approved courses in approved Higher Education Institutions in the UK may be eligible for tax relief at the standard rate of tax, and more information on this relief may be obtained through the student's local Revenue office.
336. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how he ensures that all websites operated by his Department are accessible to the visually impaired. [4818/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) provides the underlying infrastructure and technical environment for the Gov.ie family of Government websites.
These include my Department’s and other departmental and office websites, as well as platforms such as Ireland.ie and Citizens Information. The OGCIO’s design system and implementation approach ensure that accessibility, including for users who are visually impaired, is a core requirement in the design, development and operation of all websites within its remit.
All websites managed by the OGCIO are built and maintained in full compliance with Irish and EU accessibility legislation, including the EU Web Accessibility Directive, the European Union (Accessibility of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020, and the forthcoming European Accessibility Act 2025. These websites meet the international WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standard, and work is currently underway to transition to compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA.
Accessibility is monitored on an ongoing basis through a combination of automated testing, manual reviews and regular audits conducted by the National Disability Authority (NDA) under the statutory monitoring framework. Accessibility statements are maintained and updated as required, and any issues identified through audits or user feedback are addressed. Recent NDA assessments confirmed full compliance for Gov.ie under the simplified review process and awarded a high score in the in-depth review, placing Gov.ie among the most accessible public service websites in the State.
In order to support a high-quality user experience for visually impaired users, the OGCIO applies accessibility best practice across all platforms. This includes ensuring compatibility with screen readers, maintaining appropriate colour contrast, and enabling all Gov.ie services to be fully operable using keyboard-only navigation.
While the OGCIO is responsible for managing the technical platform and centrally maintained content, individual Departments and Agencies retain responsibility for ensuring that the content they publish is accessible. The OGCIO provides ongoing guidance and support in this regard. In collaboration with the NDA, the OGCIO has issued comprehensive accessibility standards covering documents, videos, images and other online content, including requirements relating to alternative text, captions, appropriate heading structures, colour contrast, and the avoidance of PDF formats where possible.
Through this combination of legislative compliance, robust technical standards, continuous monitoring and independent audit, my Department ensures that the websites it operates meet a high standard of accessibility for visually impaired users.
337. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if any website or other platform operated by his Department uses an AI-enabled chatbot; if there are plans to use chatbots; in what circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4836/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s website is one of a number of departmental websites hosted on the Gov.ie platform.
The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), within the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, is currently developing AI-enabled chatbot technology for integration across the Gov.ie platform.
This initiative is intended to enhance public access to government services and information by providing timely, accessible, and user-focused digital support, in line with the objectives of the Digital Public Services Plan 2030.
A public beta phase of the Gov.ie chatbot is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of this year.
338. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total sums spent for each year from 2016 to 2025, inclusive of advertising, by his Department on social media or online platforms, including identifying separately payments to influencers on such platforms; and to set out the annual totals for that period to each specific platform, including but not limited to major platforms (details supplied). [4855/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department works with a Government procured media buying agency to ensure we get the best reach and value for money for our public information campaigns. This often includes the use of social media platforms.
My Department's social media advertising spend from 2021 to date is detailed in the table attached, with a breakdown of the online and digital media platforms used. Included in this spend is monies allocated to my Department under Housing for All funding to address skills gaps in construction.
My Department has not paid social media influencers to promote our information campaigns.
339. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the funding provided for the refurbishment of Mayfield Library under the Library Capital Programme 2023-2027. [4561/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra340. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the capital funding provided to Cork City Council in each of the past five years for the refurbishment of Mayfield Library. [4562/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 339 and 340 together.
The provision of library services including buildings is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities, under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, the upgrade and refurbishment to the Frank O’Connor Library, Mayfield, Cork City, is a matter for Cork City Council in the first instance.
Under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027, my department is investing €22.6m in 11 library infrastructure projects and a further €2.6m in 12 next-generation mobile libraries. However, I can confirm that no capital funding has been provided by my department to Cork City Council under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023 - 2027 or any other scheme funded by my department for the refurbishment of Mayfield Library over the period 2021 – 2025.
There may be future calls under the Libraries Capital Programme and my department will be in contact with local authorities in that regard in due course.
341. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he or any of his officials have used artificial intelligence to write speeches, produce social media content for his Department, or to issue responses to parliamentary questions, since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4600/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraArtificial Intelligence (A.I.) tools are not currently used in my Department for drafting speeches, producing social media content, or responding to Parliamentary Questions. All staff in the Department have been informed of the Department's position on this issue.
My Department is guided by "Guidelines for the Responsible Use of A.I. in the Public Service" (DPENDR 2025) and by "Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies" (NCSC, 2023).
342. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department has a paid subscription with a social media company (details supplied). [4618/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has never had a paid subscription with the social media company X.
343. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht given the success of the Leader Programme 2023 -2027, if he will allocate additional funding to the development partnerships/company's; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4674/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for the LEADER programme, which is part of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan covering 2023 to 2027, and which is co-funded by the EU and the Exchequer.
The LEADER programme is administered by Local Action Groups, or LAGs, on behalf of the Department and has been at the heart of rural development in Ireland for over 30 years. It plays an important role in supporting local projects which bring renewed life, jobs and services to our rural communities.
LEADER funding is allocated to LAGs at the beginning of each LEADER programme to provide them with greater flexibility in selecting and approving projects which will have a meaningful impact in their areas.
As you will be aware, €180 million of funding has been committed to the 2023 - 2027 LEADER programme. To date, LAGs across the country have approved LEADER funding for 960 projects valued at almost €47 million, with 19% of the projects completed at a total of over €6.3 million.
I look forward to seeing the outcomes of the current programme emerge over the coming months and years, as these projects are delivered.
Whilst there are no plans to increase the budget allocations under the current programme, funding for the LEADER programme should be considered in the context of the expanding capital allocations made available in recent years under my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme. Under these measures communities across the country have benefited from funding in areas such as town regeneration, the development of community facilities, and the enhancement of outdoor recreation facilities. I am also engaging with my colleagues at cabinet and EU level to advocate for an increased LEADER budget under the next round of Common Agricultural Policy funding.
344. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if new playgrounds were delivered by his Department in 2025; and if he will provide details of same. [4778/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recognises the importance of playgrounds in communities throughout Ireland. Applications for the delivery and upgrade of playgrounds are welcome under a number of schemes operated by my Department such as the CLÁR Programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the LEADER programme, the Community Recognition Fund and the Local Enhancement Programme.
The CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects including the development and enhancement of playgrounds in designated rural areas. During 2025, under the CLÁR programme, 20 playgrounds approved in previous years were completed with associated funding of €961,000. In addition, under the 2025 CLÁR programme funding of €1.3 million was approved for a further 20 playground projects covering development and enhancement works.
Under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) over €2.1 million in funding was made available and saw the completion of 6 projects which included playgrounds in 2025. In addition, funding of €1.46 million has been approved in 2025 under TVRS to 5 projects which include playgrounds. The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund also supported the delivery of two public playgrounds in 2025, as part of larger, multi-element projects.
The LEADER Programme provides support to rural communities and has for many years supported various playground projects. In 2025, 5 projects valued at c.€345,000 were completed and an additional 18 projects valued at c. €1.8 million received grant support, or funding approval. As with TVRS, LEADER funded projects often have multiple elements, of which playgrounds can be one.
The Community Recognition Fund (CRF) was introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Under the fund a total of €100 million has been provided to local authorities to support cities, towns and villages nationwide. Projects delivered under the fund included the development and enhancement of playground facilities.
During 2025, under CRF, 21 playgrounds approved in previous years were completed with associated funding of €2 million. In addition, in 2025, a further 37 playground projects were approved funding of €3.3 million under CRF.
The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) is targeted towards supporting communities that are impacted by disadvantage as identified in each Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). Groups use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, including playgrounds. The LEP is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their local authority. In 2025, 12 playgrounds received funding support to a total of almost €30,000.
My Department provides significant funding towards the establishment and improvement of playgrounds across the country and intends to continue to do so. These are vital community spaces for children and parents, and my Department has the schemes and funding in place to support their continued development.
345. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if new build community centres were delivered by his Department in 2025; if he will provide details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4779/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra346. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide details of refurbishments completed under the Community Centres Investment Fund in 2025. [4780/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 345 and 346 together.
My Department recognises the importance of community centres throughout Ireland. Applications for works on community centres are welcome under a number of programmes operated by my Department such as the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), LEADER, the Town & Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) and the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF).
Through the CCIF, some €110 million has been allocated since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres where such a need has been identified. In early 2024, funding of over €30 million was approved for the construction of 12 new community centres covering nine counties. These new centres are at various stages of design and delivery, with 7 projects now at construction stage and the first project completions expected later this year.
On 11 March 2025, I announced funding of over €26 million for the refurbishment of 369 community centres under category 2 of the 2024 CCIF providing funding of up to €100,000 for refurbishment works to existing community centres.
During 2025, 245 community centre refurbishment projects with associated funding of €11.7 million were completed under CCIF. These are projects that would have been approved in 2022 and 2024.
I am committed to delivering further iterations of the CCIF in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. I expect to deliver the next round of CCIF this year, which will focus on refurbishment work in existing community centres. The details in this regard are currently being finalised.
The LEADER Programme provides support to rural communities and has for many years supported various community centre projects. In 2025, 9 projects valued at €280,000 were completed and an additional 25 projects valued at €1.6m were approved for funding.
It should also be noted that both RRDF and TVRS schemes also support the renovation and upgrade of community centres. TVRS funding of almost €3.2m was made available and saw the completion of refurbishment of 17 community centres in 2025. In addition, funding of €3.3m has been approved in 2025 under TVRS for 12 projects which include community centres under the announcement made on 22nd December.
The RRDF also supported the delivery of four projects in 2025 which included the provision of community facilities, as part of larger, multi-element projects. In addition, a further ten Category 2 projects were approved in 2025 that include proposals for community facilities as part of larger, multi-element projects.
Details of all funding provided and scheme descriptions is available on the Department’s website.
347. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide details of projects delivered under the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme in 2025. [4781/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) supports outdoor recreational infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland and funds projects such as walkways, cycleways, blueways, mountain access routes and bridleways.
Since 2020, 1,358 projects have been approved under the scheme with grant funding of €85.5 million. This includes 285 projects approved in 2025 with funding of over €25 million. Details of all the successful projects approved since 2016 under ORIS are available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/collections/outdoor-recreation-infrastructure-scheme-funding-allocations/
In 2025, some 180 projects that had been allocated total funding of over €16 million were fully completed and drew down their final funding amounts.
I expect to announce the next iteration of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in the coming months.
348. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if new libraries were delivered in 2025; and if he will provide details of same. [4782/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of library services including buildings is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001.
Notwithstanding this, investing in our library network is a key priority for my department and this is reflected in the National Public Library Strategy 2023-2027 ‘The Library is the Place',which was launched in July 2023. The Strategy, which focuses on strengthening public libraries as multi-purpose social and educational spaces, is a five-year plan containing 66 actions to enhance library services.
Under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027, my Department is investing €22.6m in 11 library infrastructure projects and a further €2.6m in 12 next-generation mobile libraries.
In May 2024, a further investment of circa €28m was allocated under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) to support three regeneration projects that include new library facilities. In 2025, three new libraries were officially opened to the public - Ballyogan Library which was the first facility delivered under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027, as well as Dromahair Library and Kinnegad Library, both of which were funded through the RRDF.
349. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht how he ensures that all websites operated by his Department are accessible to the visually impaired. [4823/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's ICT managed service is provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). As part of this service, my Department's website, www.gov.ie/drcdg, is hosted on the gov.ie family of government websites with the underlying infrastructure and technical environment for the platform provided by the OGCIO
Gov.ie is built and maintained in full compliance with Irish and EU accessibility legislation, including the EU Web Accessibility Directive, the Accessibility of Public Sector Bodies Regulations 2020, and the forthcoming EU Accessibility Act 2025. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is the global standard for digital accessibility, ensuring websites and apps are usable for people with disabilities, including people who are visually impaired. Gov.ie meets the WCAG 2.1 Level AA international accessibility standard.
Accessibility is monitored continuously through automated testing, manual reviews and the regular audits carried out by the National Disability Authority (NDA) under the statutory monitoring framework. To support high quality user experience for visually impaired users, the OGCIO applies accessibility best practice, including compatibility with screen readers, maintaining appropriate colour contrast, and ensuring that all gov.ie enabled services can be operated using keyboard-only navigation.
I would also note that my Department has appointed Access Officers to coordinate assistance and guidance for people with disabilities, including the visually impaired. In particular, we aim for inclusive design of our web pages so they can be used by all, including people with visual impairments.
In addition, www.tidytowns.ie is the website of the Supervalu TidyTowns competition which is administered by my Department and sponsored by SuperValu. This website provides information on the annual competition, as well as guidance and resources for TidyTowns groups across the country. The website also meets the WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standard.
