Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I support Senator Terry's amendment No. 41. I remind Senator Kett that the ideal conditions to which we all aspire are not being achieved under the current regime, which is quite strict. I could give many examples of buildings which are inaccessible to people with disabilities because they are not in compliance with the relevant regulations. The provisions of amendment No. 41 would be a useful addition to this Bill, which aims to help people with disabilities to participate to the fullest possible extent in every level of society and every part of the community. The acceptance of the amendment would underpin the spirit of the legislation. Senator Terry's suggestion that building control officers be given responsibility for the periodic monitoring and inspection of such buildings is also quite useful.