asked the Minister for Local Government if he is prepared to adopt the international symbol designed by the Society of Rehabilitation of the Disabled which has been accepted by all EEC countries and in the United Kingdom.
187.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - International Symbol for Disabled.
186.
asked the Minister for Local Government if there are any requirements in force in this country in regard to ensuring ease of access for physically handicapped people to public buildings; and if he will state his attitude towards the adoption, which has taken place in some countries, of an internationally agreed symbol for display on such buildings indicating that arrangements have been made to ensure access by handicapped people.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.
I understand that the symbol referred to was adopted by Rehabilitation International, the international society for the rehabilitation of the disabled, at its World Congress in Dublin in September, 1969, and that, in so far as individual countries are concerned, there is no specified process for its adoption. I should be glad to see the symbol displayed in appropriate buildings.
There are no legal requirements at present to ensure ease of access to public buildings for handicapped persons but, in relation to new buildings generally, I propose to make appropriate provisions for the purpose in the comprehensive code of building regulations which is being drafted in my Department.
Deputies may be aware that I have asked local authorities by circular letter to make provision for access by people in wheelchairs to new public buildings provided by them and to consider measures to make their existing buildings more easily accessible to such people. I have also pointed out that, as planning authorities, they are in a position to bring this question to the notice of developers and architects and, if necessary, to impose suitable conditions when granting permission. The specification for swimming pools, which I have circulated to local authorities, includes provision to facilitate disabled persons. A special scheme of enhanced reconstruction grants for houses occupied by disabled persons was introduced by me early this year.