asked the Minister for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to guarantee blind persons with guide dogs access to theatres and cinemas.
Written Answers. - Access for Blind Persons.
147.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 147 together.
I have read the report to which the Deputy refers with particular reference to the recommendations relevant to my Department. Provision for access for the disabled to buildings is set out in Part S of the Proposed Building Regulations and consideration is being given to importing the appropriate parts of the National Rehabilitation Board's booklet Access for the Disabled — Minimum Design Criteria as a method of complying with the Regulations. The Building Control Bill currently being debated at Committee Stage in the Dáil will give statutory effect to the proposed regulations. The conditions governing admittance to cinemas and similar buildings are primarily a matter for the individual proprietors concerned and I have no proposals for legislation in this matter.
With regard to pedestrian crossings, I understand that bleeper facilities are incorporated in all new Pelican crossing signals and that Dublin and Cork Corporations have a general policy to convert those that do not have this facility.
Finally, I note that the report acknowledges the role played by public libraries and I am satisfied that library authorities will continue to have regard to the needs of the blind in the provision of library services.