Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the delegates and thank them for their presentation and the documentation they provided. I commend all members of the Irish Wheelchair Association on the tremendous work they do in communities throughout the country. I convey apologies from my colleague, Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, who is unable to attend because he is partaking in Leaders' Questions in the Dáil.

Will the delegates give some examples of the obstacles their members face every day in their communities? This is the third edition of the access guidelines since the previous document in 2009. Clearly, there is a steady progression going on, but will the delegates indicate what proportion or percentage of the previous recommendations and guidelines have been implemented?

The Irish Wheelchair Association worked with many local authorities during the review of the building regulations. Youghal Town Council had two of its councillors represented on the local disability awareness group during the period I was on the council. When the previous access guidelines were published in 2009, the members of that group took to the streets with the local authority engineers to see where improvements could be made. That was a very worthwhile exercise. One of those individuals was a mobility scooter user and it was very useful for the others to see at first hand the difficulties he encountered along the way.

The delegates referred to the importance of having standards that represent best practice internationally. How do we measure that and will the delegates give an example of a country where best practice is in operation? The delegates made several clear recommendations which I am sure will have the full support of the committee. What are the main barriers they see to having the access guidelines implemented?