Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I accept in principle what the Minister of State says, but what guarantee can he offer that any private body which provides a service to people with disabilities will make its buildings accessible? I am not sure that will be done, while incorporating the amendments into the legislation would guarantee accessibility. We must set high standards, though I accept that costs can be incurred. However, since taxis, ambulances and buses are now being made accessible to all, people now know that when they set about constructing anything, they must do it in a certain manner, and if access is built in at the start, no extra cost is incurred. We must set down the rules and guidelines at an early stage as a flag to people that this is what we expect, and that we expect nothing less.