Batt O'Keeffe (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

This subsection provides for the introduction of a disability access certificate for access to a building. The building control authority would grant such a certificate if, in its opinion, the design of the building as submitted was in compliance with the relevant requirements of the building regulations, which is Part M — access for people with disabilities. This amendment would require a certificate for access to and use of a building. I do not believe the amendment is necessary. Part M(1) of the regulations already requires that adequate provisions shall be made to enable people with disabilities to safely and independently access and use a building. The building control authority would certify this. Therefore, I do not propose to accept the amendment as I do not consider it necessary in the circumstances as outlined.

See this speech in context