Mr. Barry Lynch:

On the broader disability strategy, I sat on the national advisory group and the strategy was being formed and there was quite extensive consultation, starting initially with local authorities which fed their local disability plans into the national one. There was also extensive consultation with DPOs and accessible consultation methodology. There was a determined effort to reflect the voice of experience when the strategy was adopted last year.

Obviously the implementation plan followed from that in 2023. We have now lined up our strategies to agree with the implementation plan. Quite a challenging target, in terms of 15% of allocations going to people with disabilities on the list, has been set. From our experience, the figure was 12% a quarter of the way through the year. We are aiming for that target in order to deal with the backlog.

There is obviously a communications piece in terms of awareness of the strategy. A communication strategy was published before Christmas and is on the agenda for our steering group to adopt later this month. It gives certain commitments as to how as a public sector body we will go about communicating.

Regarding universal design, which Ms Farrelly referenced, a number of things are happening. The pilot in Kells arose out of the housing options for our ageing population. The objective is that 30% of the units in each development will be universal design. Detailed work is being done on the costing and the Housing Agency will undertake a research project on the scheme. A substantial research project is also being done by a centre in Galway to investigate the differential in costs. That is key information that we need nationally. If it only costs 6% or 7% more, for example, we will be able to see how that will be funded.

In terms of standards, Part M only calls for buildings to be visitable. Universal design and UD+ are where we need to go in terms of adequate provision. The NSAI is preparing a standard in that respect, which I expect to see next year. Some research coming out later this month will suggest that the densities of UD and UD+ do not adversely affect overall numbers in developments. Detailed checklists are being developed for universal design through the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design and the National Disability Authority, in conjunction with Age Friendly Ireland. A great deal of work is under way to try to improve the provision of housing.