Paul Connaughton
Question:20 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance his views on the lack of access facility to many public buildings for the visually impaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Building Access.
It is policy in the Office of Public Works to provide facilities for the disabled in all new buildings which it constructs.
Where practicable such facilities are also included in any sizeable works to existing buildings, such as extensions or refurbishments, which the Office of Public Works carries out on its own behalf or on behalf of other Departments.
In buildings for which the Office of Public Works has direct responsibility, adaptation works to facilitate the disabled are carried out, on an ongoing basis, as funds permit.
On my instructions the commissioners are at present carrying out a comprehensive survey of all buildings occupied by Government Departments in order to identify where facilities for the disabled, including the visually impaired, are lacking or inadequate and to establish what works are necessary to improve matters. The result of this survey will be taken up with individual Departments with a view to drawing up a programme of works to be carried out.
With due respect to the Minister of State, I have heard that answer given at least 20 times over the past ten years. Will we ever overcome this concept of surveying? Does the world not know that public buildings are totally ill equipped for all visually impaired and disabled people? Is it not true to say that no premises were as poorly fitted out as the very one we here occupy, that it took the election of a disabled Member to the Seanad before anything was done? Can the Minister of State not imagine the frustration and anger, particularly of the visually impaired, that there is really nobody thinking about them, that if there is a price cut-off on a new building the first thing that happens is that that portion of the project is dropped? I put to the Minister of State that it is all talk, that if it costs money, it is God help the visually impaired.
I reject the Deputy's claim that nobody is thinking of the visually impaired or handicapped. Such concern was the reason I requested that this survey be undertaken last year. This is the first time Deputy Connaughton has tabled this question to me. While it may have been answered 20 times over the past ten years in a similar fashion, it is the first time I have replied. Without any prompting by any Member of the House, I requested the Office of Public Works to undertake that survey. I know that the Deputy speaks from genuine concern in this matter. I can assure him that it is not a matter of lip service and that the surveys will be completed. In every place possible, within the remit of the Office of Public Works and within Government buildings, I will endeavour to ensure that the disabled and visually impaired are adequately catered for.
I put it to the Minister of State that as part of all future contracts, the technology to provide access to public buildings should comprise part of those projects. Will the Minister of State confirm, irrespective of any price squeeze that may obtain, that that part of such contracts will not be dropped?
I can assure Deputy Connaughton that the guidelines drawn up in relation to access to public buildings will be strictly adhered to and improved in so far as is possible. If there are to be cost cuts, I can assure him that they will not take place within that area.