Noel Dempsey
Ceist:109 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any plans to issue instructions to Government Departments and local authorities to ensure that all public buildings have facilities for handicapped people.
Written Answers. - Access to Public Buildings.
I have recently made building regulations which set out a series of requirements in relation to the design and construction of buildings. The regulations will come into operation on 1 June 1992 and will place a clear duty on persons providing or reconstructing buildings to cater for the needs of people with disabilities. As regards existing public buildings, the provision of facilities for people with disabilities is a matter for the individual Department, local authority or other agency concerned. Nevertheless, Departments and local authorities have been asked to ensure that appropriate provision is made for access for disabled people to buildings under their control.