Written Answers. - Access Facilities for Disabled Persons.
John Bruton
Ceist:
132
Mr. J. Bruton
asked the
Minister for Industry and Commerce
if he will list the offices used by his Department to which easy access by means of ramps and lift does not exist for those using wheelchairs; the services provided in these offices; and the plans to improve access.
My Department is accommodated in nine separate offices. The following four offices do not have independent access for wheelchair users.
The Patents and Trade Marks Office, 44/45 Merrion Square: this office grant patents and register trade marks and is mainly used by professional agents rather than members of the public. The building is an old Georgian house, the design of which makes it difficult to modify for improved access.
The Patents and Trade Marks Office, Holbrook House, Holles Street: this section of the Patents Office does not receive visits from the public. As my Department is not the main tenant in Holbrook House, I would not, therefore, be in a position to comment on the feasibility of improving access.
The offices of the Registrar of Friendly Societies, 13 Hume Street: this office has statutory powers and functions relating to the registration, general regulation and supervision of co-operative societies, credit unions, friendly societies and trade unions. The office is visited to a greater extent by professionals than by members of the public; 13 Hume Street is also an old Georgian building which offers little scope for modification.
The Fair Trade Commission, 50 Upper Mount Street: the Commission investigates possible unfair trading practices in the supply and distribution of goods and in the provision of services. While 50 Upper Mount Street is another Georgian building which cannot be modified, the staff of the Commission are due to transfer in the near future to modern accommodation which will have suitable facilities for wheelchair users.
In the above offices where easy access is not practicable, the staff would, of course, give every assistance to persons in wheelchairs.
