73. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the assessment her Department has made of the potential discriminatory impact of the increasing move by Government Departments and public bodies towards online-only or predominantly digital access to public services and supports (details supplied); whether she accepts that equality of access requires meaningful non-digital alternatives where necessary; and the oversight or mechanism exists to ensure that public services being digitised do not create new barriers to accessing rights and entitlements. [65792/26]

As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the overall policy framework governing digital public services across Government rests primarily with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. However, the following information may be helpful in relation to the approach of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

The Department recognises that digital access can make public services more accessible and convenient, but also that online channels may not be appropriate or sufficient for everyone. Older people, people with disabilities, people with lower levels of digital literacy, or people without reliable access to technology may face barriers if services are online-only. The Department therefore considers accessibility, equality and inclusion in the design and delivery of its services and communications.

The Department's website is an important access point for information on schemes, services and policy areas and provides clear public information in an accessible format. However, the Department does not regard digital channels as a substitute for other forms of engagement where these are required. Information and support are also provided through direct contact with relevant services via telephone, written correspondence, postal applications and broadcast media. The Department also undertakes in-person consultations, information sessions and stakeholder engagement events to ensure that people can participate through channels that best meet their needs.

One practical example is the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme. Applications may be made online or by post, forms are available through Citizens Information Centres, and paper application forms may be requested by telephone. To date, approximately 58% of applications have been submitted online and 42% by post, demonstrating the continued importance of maintaining non-digital options alongside digital services.

The Department's Customer Service Charter includes commitments on accessibility, equality, courtesy and support for people with disabilities. Through consultations, stakeholder engagement and direct interaction with service users, the Department seeks to identify and address barriers to access, including those that may arise from digital delivery.

Public bodies are also subject to statutory obligations, including under the Equal Status Acts, which prohibit discrimination in the provision of services on any of the nine protected grounds, including age and disability, irrespective of whether services are delivered online, face-to-face, by telephone or by post. The Department's focus is on ensuring that its own services and initiatives are designed and communicated in a way that supports equality of access. This includes considering whether assisted digital supports or alternative channels are needed so that people can exercise rights and access entitlements in practice.

I am satisfied that equality of access requires meaningful non-digital alternatives where necessary, alongside supports that enable people to engage with digital services where they wish to do so. Digital transformation should broaden access and improve outcomes, while ensuring that appropriate supports and alternative access arrangements remain available.