asked the Taoiseach if he will outline in respect of all public buildings used by each State body for which he is statutorily responsible to the Dáil, if easy access to such buildings by means of ramps, lifts or otherwise does not exist for persons using wheelchairs; if so, if he will indicate the name and location of each such building; the services provided therein and the plans, if any, to improve the accessibility of the building to persons using wheelchairs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Buildings Accessibility.
3.
The three statutory bodies for which I have responsibility are the National Board for Science and Technology, the Law Reform Commission and An Chomhairle Ealaion. The premises occupied by the board at Shelbourne Road and by the commission at River House, Chancery Street, have easy access for persons using wheelchairs. The premises of An Chomhairle Ealaion at 70 Merrion Square, Dublin, have no facilities for such persons at present. The council hope, however, to acquire a rear access to the building and this would afford the opportunity of remedying the situation.
Does the Taoiseach consider it satisfactory that people using wheelchairs should have to use a back door?
That is probably the only solution in the case of the premises of An Chomhairle Ealaion. I do not think that there is any other physical solution possible.
Would the Taoiseach consider that it would have been more appropriate for that body, who are a relatively recent establishment, to have chosen premises——
A question.
——which would be suitable in view particularly of the fact that this body are designed to be public?
The Deputy is making a statement.
I would not agree that An Chomhairle Ealaion is a very recently established body.
I am calling Question No. 4.
Could I ask one more question, please?
One final supplementary. The Deputy is making statements when he gets an opportunity of asking a question.
Could I ask the Taoiseach when he expects access to be provided to the premises of An Chomhairle Ealaion?
That is really a matter for An Comhairle Ealaíon, as the Deputy understands. My understanding of the position is that the comhairle are now negotiating a new levy agreement which will enable them to provide suitable access to the buildings.