Vol. 504 No. 2
121 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of offices or institutions under his Department which are open to the public; the number of these accessible to people with disabilities; the plans, if any, there are to ensure all buildings are accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11745/99]
There are three public offices in Ireland under the control of the Department of Foreign Affairs. These are the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork and the Visa Office in Hainault House, St. Stephen's Green. In addition, the Department has premises with access to the general public at Iveagh House, St. Stephen's Green and at 76-78 Harcourt Street.
Both Passport Offices are accessible to people with disabilities. At present, the Visa Office is not accessible. However, the Office of Public Works have invited tenders for construction of a wheelchair ramp to Hainault House and it is expected that this will be installed in the near future. Following the installation of a ramp recently by the Office of Public Works, Iveagh House is accessible to the disabled. Disabled access to 76-78 Harcourt Street is limited, providing access only from the rear car park and it is my intention, arising from the Deputy's question, to explore the feasibility of providing full disabled access as soon as possible.
With regard to public offices in embassies and consulates abroad, the information is not immediately available. I have sought the necessary information and will make it available to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
