Kathleen Lynch
Question:73 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has to make all sections of Dáil Éireann fully accessible to people with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15414/95]
Written Answers. - Access for Disabled Persons.
I am pleased to inform Deputy Lynch that considerable progress has been made on a programme of works designed to make the Houses of the Oireachtas more accessible to disabled persons.
Works completed in recent years include ramps at the Kildare Street and public entrances; a new lift and ramp serving the public gallery; infilling of the old post office area to provide a level link from Leinster House to the offices and bars and the installation of a wheelchair lift and ramp at the bridge to Government Buildings. In addition a level link is currently being provided between the office block lobby and the recently refurbished Members' restaurant.
The combined effect of these works has been to make the vast majority of areas within the Leinster House complex fully accessible to people with disabilities. Future developments, including the provision of new committee rooms and offices in Agriculture House will also be designed to be fully accessible.