Departmental Strategies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Ceisteanna (672)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

672. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of the consultation process that has been undertaken to develop the new National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability; the groups that were involved in these consultations; if the consultation has considered the need to raise the minimum statutory requirements that a building must achieve in respect of access which is incorporated within Part M Access and Use of the Building Regulations 2010 from visitable for a wheelchair user to liveable for a wheelchair user; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40049/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Peter Burke)

A review of the National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability (NHSPWD) 2011-2021 commenced in March 2021, conducted by the Housing Agency. The first round of consultation which comprised a wide-ranging questionnaire on the existing strategy and priorities for its successor took place in March and April. A large volume of responses were received which are now being assessed and considered.

I expect the second round of consultation to be held in the Autumn and to include meetings with relevant stakeholders around the country. In parallel, research being undertaken by the Housing Agency will also feed into the review process.

The full range of issues raised by respondants to the consultation, including the statutory requirements regarding wheelchair accessibility, are being given appropriate consideration in the review process and in the development of the new strategy.

Question No. 673 answered with Question No. 591.