asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself that the local authorities under his control have taken sufficient measures to ensure ease of access for all physically handicapped people to public buildings for which they have responsibility; if he will ask each local authority to prepare a report on the measures they have taken and propose to take to this end and in respect of their areas; if he will cause such reports to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Ease of Access to Public Buildings.
58.
Requirements in relation to means of access to and circulation within buildings by disabled persons are prescribed in the proposed building regulations which will have statutory effect on enactment of the Building Control Bill, 1984. In the meantime, local authorities have been asked to treat the draft building regulations as though they had statutory backing and to apply the standards in the draft regulations when designing and constructing buildings.
My Department have also in circulars issued to local authorities, drawn attention to the needs of the disabled in the use of public buildings. Furthermore, the matter receives ongoing attention in the context of individual building projects which require departmental approval.
I am satisfied that local authorities are very conscious of requirements in this matter and that, within expenditure constraints, their response has been satisfactory. I do not consider it necessary to seek a report on the matter from each authority at this stage.