Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2022
184. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance his views on providing fully accessible changing places and toilet facilities open to the public in all buildings which his Department owns and public bodies and agencies under his remit to offer people with disabilities and carers a network of equipped spaces to take care of personal hygiene, in safety and comfort.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38718/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the present time, my Department’s offices are not publicly accessible, and therefore do not provide access to such facilities. However, I fully support the drive to providing fully accessible changing places and toilet facilities to people with disabilities and their carers. Such a network of equipped spaces will allow them to take care of personal hygiene, in a safe, comfortable and dignified manner. This should extend to the inclusion of all publicly-accessible Government buildings.
In respect of the bodies under the aegis of my Department that own their premises, the Central Bank of Ireland’s building at North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, has a Visitor Centre, Reception and Tellers area that is available to the public. The public will also have limited access to the Central Bank’s new Mayor Street building once opened. These areas have fully accessible, non-gendered toilet facilities in addition to separate male and female facilities. The Central Bank of Ireland does not currently offer public changing facilities.
