John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

My Department's sectoral plan, as provided for in section 36 of the Disability Act 2005, was developed in consultation with people with disabilities to assist the Department and local authorities in supporting an inclusive society with accessible buildings, facilities, services and information. There are statutory provisions, codes of practice and guidelines available to assist local authorities in providing the measures required in the sectoral plan.

Following the completion of accessibility audits, local authorities are required to draw up implementation plans setting out programmes to give effect to the commitments and objectives contained in the Disability Act 2005 and the Department's related sectoral plan. Each implementation plan, when adopted, will be published and placed on the authority's website with targets and timeframes for carrying out the required works. Priority will be given to local authority buildings and other facilities to which people with disabilities most frequently require access, including footpaths, public amenity areas, information and other services. To date, 22 implementation plans have been received by my Department. A further six local authorities have completed accessibility audits with significant progress being made towards finalising their implementation plans.

My Department provides €15 million annually to local authorities to assist them in carrying out actions under the national disability strategy. The Department is monitoring progress on the implementation of the plans and seeks reports, as appropriate, as required by the sectoral plan.

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