Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Hourigan for her questions. The Deputy well articulated the pressure points we face. On Government policy on design, the design guidelines issued for the construction of apartments state 50% of any developments of nine apartments or more must have a minimum of 10% increased, oversized space. There are also clear guidelines that developments have lift access and that floors have open thresholds in terms of rooms and design criteria to ensure they are more friendly for those with a disability.

I mentioned the Churchill fellowship in terms of the study done across many different countries, which put Ireland as moving quickly towards the ambitions set out in the UN charter. We are not there yet and, as I said, an upcoming report within the two years will articulate that. However, the planning system must try to deliver units that cater easily for, and offer choice to, people with disabilities.

As Deputy Canney outlined, we must be careful in terms of the consequences for delivery at present. With that in mind, we have asked that a cost-benefit analysis be carried out - it is currently under way in the Department - to report back on how we can get to this universal mechanism and support the private sector to get to it, which is important in terms of delivering units.

I previously articulated how Part M of the building regulations has improved and supported delivery of units for those with disabilities and in terms of disability access in commercial settings on the building control side, which has been significantly ramped up in recent years. While I acknowledge we are not there yet, we are improving. There is a considerable number of tenancies currently on HAP that are in the disability sector.

It is about offering choice and a chance at independent living for vulnerable people. I articulated how much the allocations and the grant thresholds from various funding streams have increased since 2016. We are working on a cost-benefit analysis. I already mentioned that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is working on, and feeding into, the design process. We are renewing our strategy in that context.