Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Private bodies are already covered under the equality legislation by the requirement for reasonable accommodation to be provided. Part 5 of the building regulations also lays down standards which must be adhered to by the private sector.

The Bill covers a wide range of companies and semi-State bodies. They include the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, the Central Statistics Office, the National Development Authority, the Courts Service and the Legal Aid Board. Bodies established under the Companies Act, such as Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann, will also be covered. There are provisions in equality legislation and in the building regulations which place obligations on private sector organisations. To be fair, the private sector has responded well to the requirements for access by people with disabilities. We hope that the thrust of this legislation will add further to the creation of a culturally inclusive society as far as people with disabilities are concerned.