Vol. 483 No. 1
31 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the number of Garda barracks which have no access for disabled people including wheel-chair users, old age pensioners and other categories of people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19605/97]
It is not possible in the time available to ascertain the information requested by the Deputy in relation to all Garda stations. I am having the information collected and I will let the Deputy have it as soon as possible.
As I indicated in reply to the Deputy on 8 October, the provision of access facilities for disabled persons is central to the development and design of public buildings, including new Garda stations by the Commissioners of Public Works. In addition there is an ongoing programme to provide disabled access to existing premises, including Garda stations, which do not have such access at present. There are particular difficulties in making some of the older buildings accessible to the disabled, but every effort will be made to overcome such problems.
