Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I am disappointed the Minister of State will not examine this issue from a broader perspective or indeed from the future. I do not see why we cannot oblige private companies which offer services to members of the public to make their buildings accessible over a number of years. I am unsure whether the Minister of State mentioned a period of ten years, but I do not see why buildings cannot be made accessible over five years. This is an attempt to make it as easy as possible for people to do so.

I accept that where there may be a disproportionate burden imposed on some buildings, there should be mechanisms developed to facilitate private bodies to overcome their financial difficulties in this regard. By not doing this, we do not make all our citizens equal, which is the purpose of this Bill. We cannot cherry-pick. Someone with a disability either has the same rights as an able-bodied person or has not. If an exception for companies is allowed, as it is here, we do not perform a service to people with disabilities. Therefore, I am disappointed that my amendments will not be accepted.