School Accommodation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004

Tuesday, 27 April 2004

Questions (374)

David Stanton

Question:

433 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools in the State; the number of these primary schools which are wheelchair accessible; the actions he is taking to ensure that all primary schools in the State are wheelchair accessible; the procedures to be followed if a person who is a wheelchair user wishes to attend a primary school which is not wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11879/04]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

There are currently 3,292 recognised primary schools in the State. My Department does not have exact figures as to how many of these schools are wheelchair accessible since many school authorities use their annual minor works grants to provide access for all to their schools.

It is the policy of my Department to provide all new schools with access for all facilities and special toilets for disabled teachers and students. In addition, new schools with two or more storeys are provided with lifts. My Department advises school authorities and their design teams of accessibility requirements during the architectural planning process of projects.

Concerning access for all to existing school buildings my Department will respond as promptly as possible to a request from a school authority for funding for adaptations necessary to allow any person with mobility problems access the building.