asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that blind people are sometimes refused admission to cinemas, theatres and restaurants, that they are frequently required to leave their guide-dogs at the entrance or foyer and whether he feels this is in conformity with Government policy to integrate disabled people within the community; and whether local authority building regulations, fire regulations or other regulations can be altered in such a way as to ensure blind people can have full access to buildings in the same manner as a non-disabled person.
Written Answers. - Disabled Persons' Rights.
63.
I share the Deputy's concern that blind people should have access to cinemas, theatres and restaurants. In practice, however, the conditions governing admission to premises of the kind referred to are a matter for the relevant proprietors or management. There are no regulations coming within my Department's area of responsibility which would ensure admission for blind persons to such premises but the proposed building regulations contain provisions relating to access to and circulation within buildings which are intended to ensure that buildings are constructed in a way that will enable disabled persons, including the blind, to enter and circulate within them.