Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree with much of what the Deputy has said. When talking about any issue, we need to ensure we are inclusive. My good friend and colleague, now Uachtarán na hÉireann, always talked about vindicating citizenship to ensure everybody can exercise full citizenship, regardless of disability, gender, sexual orientation or anything else. This is important. I agree entirely with the Deputy that we need to talk about these issues in a mainstream way.

In terms of specifics, it is not simply a matter of saying we support guidelines. For example, in the context of accessibility to facilities for people with disabilities, guidelines are set out in Part M of the building regulations and, as a matter of law, people constructing buildings must have regard to them. Drawing and technical specifications describing the buildings must have regard to these regulations and be designed to ensure there is full access. A certificate attesting compliance with the regulations must also be submitted prior to the commencement of works.

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