Departmental Properties.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2007

Wednesday, 19 December 2007

Questions (364)

David Stanton

Question:

409 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in accordance with his Department’s sectoral plan, all the buildings where Department offices are located with the exception of listed buildings are fully accessible to people with disabilities; if the items noted as requiring attention in the National Disability Authority audit have all been dealt with; if a health and safety audit has been carried out and the necessary improvements recommended by same in conjunction with requirements under the Disability Act 2005 have been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35886/07]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

I can confirm that all buildings where Department offices are located are fully accessible to people with disabilities. Health and safety audits have been conducted in all buildings and any issues identified those from those audits are being dealt on an ongoing basis, as are any items arising from audits carried out by the National Disability Authority. The Office of Public Works is currently assessing meeting rooms in my Department for suitability for the installation of audio loop systems and it is expected that this work will be completed early in 2008.