Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
173 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the grant aid available for the installation of lifts for the disabled in buildings that are used by the public, for example, community centres, churches and parish halls; and if there is no grant aid available, if she will consider introducing such a grant scheme. [29771/04]
View answerThe matter of access to public buildings and the provision of lifts which would facilitate access for people with disabilities is not a matter for the Department of Health and Children.
The National Disability Authority established under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform will have responsibility, under proposed measures in the Disability Bill 2004, for the development of a draft code of practice relating to the accessibility of public buildings to persons with disabilities for the purpose of giving guidance to public bodies.
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has responsibility for monitoring the regulations governing access to public buildings including access for people with disabilities.
