Vol. 525 No. 1
21 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Finance if he will make the main entrance of Leinster House wheelchair friendly by the elimination of the step at the main entrance; if the entire premises at Leinster House was ever access audited; if not, the reason in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23455/00]
Office of Public Works keep all access requirements for the Leinster House complex under continuous review.
Leinster House, in common with most historic buildings, is not universally wheelchair friendly. In regard to the older buildings in the complex, continuing measures are being taken, when the opportunity permits, to upgrade and improve access.
It is planned to remove the small step at the main entrance door to Leinster House as part of a scheme of work to repair the stone mouldings around the main door. This work will be carried out during the next summer recess.
It should be noted that the LH2000 block is fully accessible. All floors in the block are served by lifts and have dedicated toilets for disabled people. All public space in the block have been specifically designed to be fully accessible for disabled people in accordance with part M of the Department of the Environment and Local Government building regulations.
