Vol. 557 No. 1
290 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the legal or administrative rules relating to disability access of fire escapes in schools, where there are either students or teachers who are wheelchair-bound; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21462/02]
It is policy of my Department to provide all new schools with access facilities and special toilets to cater for disabled students and teachers. In the architectural design of emergency evacuation routes, account is also taken of the requirements of students and teachers with disabilities. New schools with two stories 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 considered for grant-aid by my Department as the need arises.
