Vol. 509 No. 3
140 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science his Department's policy in relation to accessibility of students and parents with disability to schools; if there are minimum standards in this regard; the guidelines, if any, which he has issued to school managers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20195/99]
It is policy of my Department to provide all new schools with access facilities and special toilets to cater for disabled students. In the architectural design of emergency evacuation routes, account is also taken of the requirements of students with disabilities. New schools with two storeys or more are provided with lifts. The school authorities are advised of accessibility requirements by my Department and the relevant design teams during the architectural planning process.
Established schools which make application for grant-aid towards the provision of access and other facilities for the physically disabled are also grant-aided by my Department as the need arises.
