Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Burton is aware of the facts of this matter. On 22 November last, she received a full answer to two parliamentary questions which she had submitted on this issue. She had already received a letter from Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited outlining the circumstances of this case and giving details of the facilities which are available at the National Aquatic Centre. It has been explained to the Deputy that the centre was designed and built in accordance with the prescribed building regulations and to the highest standards.

Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited has confirmed that all requirements under disability legislation were met when the facility was being developed. The company consulted Special Olympics Ireland and all the other relevant interest groups during the project's design and build stages to ensure that the new facility would meet the requirements of disabled persons using it. Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited has always tried to ensure that the National Aquatic Centre is accessible to everyone. As the landlord of the centre, the company's driving motivation at all times has been to ensure that this ambition is fulfilled. I assure the House, on behalf of the Government, that the National Aquatic Centre's facilities are accessible to people with disabilities. They can be and are regularly used by such people.

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