Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities
Ivan Yates
Ceist:
79
Mr. Yates
asked the
Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs
the number of the public offices under the control of his Department which are not accessible to people with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[19733/01]
Currently within my Department there are 147 buildings which are open to the public.
These buildings include 57 local offices, 69 inspectors' offices, nine family mediation services offices and 12 other public offices such as appeals and information offices.
Of the 147 offices open to the public, 115 are fully accessible to people with disabilities leaving 32 which are inaccessible. Most of these offices comprise inspectors' offices in rural areas where office accommodation is limited. However, arrangements are made to visit people in their homes where access causes difficulty.
I am pleased to say that substantial progress has been made in recent years in improving and upgrading the general standard and access facilities of my Department's offices. This process of upgrading will continue, with a view to ensuring that these buildings are accessible to all.
This upgrading is being systematically undertaken, within the constraints of available technical and financial resources, as part of my Department's building and refurbishment programme. In addition, where refurbishment is neither practical or appropriate, my Department is taking opportunities to provide accommodation at alternative locations.
All office upgrades and refurbishment are undertaken in conjunction with the Office of Public Works which ensures that compliance with standards regarding access are adhered to.
My Department's services are also delivered through a network of 68 offices which are operated by branch managers who are employed on a contract basis. Under the terms of the contract, they are required to provide suitable accommodation.
A survey of branch offices revealed that over half did not satisfy the criteria in relation to accessibility for people with disabilities.
However, my Department has concluded an agreement with the branch managers in relation to their future role and their remuneration. Included in this agreement is the requirement that specific criteria be met in terms of the standard of accommodation provided by the branch manager and in this regard they will be required to make the premises accessible to people with disabilities within a reasonable period.
