Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2016
46. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of Intreo offices that are accessible, that are inaccessible, to persons with disabilities; the cost of making all Intreo offices accessible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3696/16]
View answerAll public offices opened under the Intreo Programme are accessible to persons with disabilities, and are in compliance with the requirement of the Disability Act 2005.
The Office of Public Works is charged with ensuring that all Intreo Centres comply with building regulations and disability legislation. With regard to access, and in particular access for persons with disabilities, over the past 4 years the OPW refurbished and remodelled 60 Social Welfare Local Offices into Intreo Centres and/or acquired new premises in some locations. In most locations, the buildings would have already complied with the relevant aspect of the Building Regulations. All costs associated with providing disability access to buildings would have been absorbed in the overall costs of refurbishment of Intreo Centres. There may be some older back office areas that are not entirely accessible for all DSP staff, and such areas are addressed then on a needs basis and in consultation with staff who may have a disability and are being assigned to such offices.
