Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was listening to the presentation in my office. A number of years ago I was involved in a local school that ran a very interesting project during transition year. A number of students came up with the idea of borrowing wheelchairs and spending a day or two in them. This initiative made all of us, not just the young people, feel how it would affect an individual to be in a wheelchair 24/7. I remember from my interaction with the students, the impact of being in a wheelchair had on them when they encountered difficulties a few minutes from the school.

When I was a councillor on Dublin City Council, I was very involved in the committee on disability. The city council did exceptional work and now most new buildings have access for wheelchairs.

I wish to comment on the materials used for playground surfaces. I have a granddaughter and I frequent a number of playgrounds - when my children were growing up, there were swings in the back garden - and I notice that different materials, including tree bark is being used. I note that the presentation referred to the use of sand and gravel, but in our local playground they took out the sand and replaced it with bark. The parents are happy with bark because sand caused problems. Will the use of bark cause problems for people in wheelchairs?

There are now changing rooms for babies, but is there any indication of the height level of the changing table?

I agree with the proposal for a business tax scheme to encourage businesses to upgrade existing buildings. I am aware the home renovation scheme has resulted in significant improvements in the homes of those who have a disability. I advocated for that. I think the members of the joint committee need to consider how the Government would provide a tax incentive for businesses. I rent a small office, which I know is wheelchair accessible but with difficulty. However, if somebody needed to go to the lavatory, I would have to send them across to the local pub to access a disabled toilet.

I thank the Irish Wheelchair Association for the work they do on the ground. The IWA has more than 20,000 members which is a significant number to cater for on a daily basis. It has given people the opportunity to live independently in their environments. My mother-in-law passed away two years ago, but unfortunately she had lost her limbs thirty years previously. I know the work that had to be done to allow her to use the bathroom and toilet, things that we take for granted in our homes.

Unfortunately I must go to another meeting but my staff will note the points made in the replies.