Vol. 469 No. 6
65 Dr. Woods asked the Minister for the Environment the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure equality of access and availability for people with disabilities to all new public buildings; if he has satisfied himself that Part M of the Building Regulations are being complied with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17305/96]
The Building Regulations place a clear duty on persons designing or constructing buildings to cater for the needs of disabled people. Responsibility for overseeing the operation of the regulations, including enforcement where necessary, is a matter for building control authorities. Powers of enforcement have been provided for the authorities in the Building Control Act, 1990, and I am satisfied that these are adequate.
There is no evidence available to me which would suggest that the provisions of the regulations regarding disabled people are not generally being complied with.
