Vol. 508 No. 3
300 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will complete the revision of part M of the buildings regulations proposals relating to access to new houses by people with disabilities; and the provision is required in the interim for student accommodation under section 50 of the Finance Act, 1999. [19019/99]
On 27 July 1999, I published a consultation document on my proposal to amend part M of the national building regulations, 1997 to require new dwellings commencing on or after 1 July 2000 to be accessible to disabled visitors. The document sets out the proposed text of both the amending regulations and revised technical guidance on part M.
In the consultation document, I also signalled my intention to review the operation of the existing part M in the light of experience since 1992; and invited proposals for changes.
The deadline for comments under the consultation process is 29 October 1999. I would hope to announce definitive proposals relating to part M following consideration of comments received in consultation with the statutory Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB), early in the new year.
In the meantime, I understand that the May 1999 guidelines issued by the Department of Education and Science relating to residential developments for third level students – eligible for tax incentives under Section 50 of the Finance Act, 1999 – draw attention to the requirements of the existing part M and the pending development of part M.
