asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider introducing legislation to allow access to public buildings for the disabled, e.g. persons in wheelchairs; and, if so, if such legislation will set out clearly that all future construction of public buildings be specially related to the need of access for the disabled.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Access to Public Buildings.
108.
While I have no proposals at present for such legislation, the matter is one which might appropriately be considered in connection with the regulations prescribing building standards which are to be made under section 86 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963. Draft technical specifications of these regulations have been prepared by a working party set up by An Foras Forbartha and they are at present under examination in my Department and by the professional and other bodies principally concerned. The Irish Wheelchair Association has been furnished with a copy of the draft and has been informed that any representations by them on it would be considered.
As I indicated in my reply to a question on 11th June, 1970, I consider it very desirable that swimming pools be designed to include ramps and other facilities to cater for persons confined to wheelchairs.