Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 May 1990

Vol. 398 No. 10

Written Answers. - Access Facilities to Disabled Persons.

John Bruton

Question:

62 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will list the offices used by his Departments to which easy access by means of ramps and lifts does not exist for those using wheelchairs; the services provided in these offices; and the plans to improve access.

The Taoiseach

In general, there is easy access by means of ramps and lifts to offices of my Departments, including the cultural institutions, for those using wheelchairs. Some problem areas and plans for improved access are set out below.

National Museum

(i) Kildare Street

Access to the ground floor of the building is provided by a ramp. The possibility of installing a lift, which would provide access to the first floor, is being examined.

(ii) Natural History Museum

There is easy access to the ground floor. However, there is no lift to the first floor.

National Gallery

There are 14 different levels in the National Gallery which pose obvious problems from the point of view of access. Two thirds of the exhibition space in the gallery is accessible to those in wheelchairs at present. Plans are in train to adapt the entrance portico with a specially constructed ramp to facilitate disabled access. As part of the £5 million refurbishment scheme, which is due to commence shortly, provision is being made to increase access and to provide appropriate facilities, such as access to toilets.

National Archives

Access to the reading room in the head office at the Four Courts is difficult as members of the public must pass up a flight of four steps at the front door. There is a small reading room in the State paper office which is on the first floor so that members of the public must climb a flight of steps to get to it. The National Archives is being provided with a new head office in Bishop Street where the principal reading room will be relocated; it already has satisfactory access by ramps and lifts. The present reading room in the State paper office will be closed.

Roinn na Gaeltachta

Oifig	Seirbhís á cur ar fáil san oifig	Plean chun an scéal a fheabhsú
Oifig Áitiúil, Na Doirí Beaga, Co Dhún na nGall	Oifig d'fhoireann sheachtrach na Roinne i gCo Dhún na nGall	Bheadh costas an-mhór i gceist chun áiseanna oiriúnacha a chur ar fáil agus níl sé sin beartaithe faoi láthair. Tugtar cuairteanna ar dhaoine ina dtithe féin i gcuid mhaith cásanna
Oifig Áitiúil, Trá Lí, Co Chiarraí	Oifig d'fhoireann sheachtrach na Roinne i gCúige Mumhan	Beifear ag aistriú go luath go oifig nua ina bhfuil áiseanna cuí