Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It is. It is really important. The first point is that at local level, all local authorities should have an access officer and should have a local consultative access group to consult regarding general planning issues. The planning authority is the first point of contact in ensuring that our public spaces are disability-proofed, as well as buildings. Regarding oversight of the local authorities themselves, I am not sure. I am sure it is absolutely important that all local authorities adhere to the universal design guidance as well. Under Article 9, regarding the issues around hazard to pedestrians, exemptions are removed, so there is strict guidance in there to ensure that premises are adhering to it.