Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 22:

In page 26, after line 48, to insert the following:

"(c) The compliance of public buildings with Part M shall be ensured by the allocation of certificates of compliance by a building control officer who will also be charged with the periodic monitoring and inspection of such buildings."

This amendment seeks to ensure the compliance of public buildings with Part M of building regulations. The Minister of State stated last week that Part M already exists and has to be complied with. I accept this. This amendment ensures such compliance by issuing certificates in the same way that a building control officer would give a fire certificate for compliance with fire regulations. I ask that a similar action would occur in the case of complying with disability legislation regulations. This would guarantee that buildings are complying with Part M.

Periodic monitoring of buildings should also occur to ensure compliance with Part M. Such a provision would strengthen the Bill and I ask that the Minister of State accept it in the interest of fortifying compliance with Part M. Many rules, laws and regulations exist in the State but many are not enforced or complied with. Issuing of certificates would help enforce compliance with these regulations.

People with disabilities, in wheelchairs or otherwise, have difficulty in accessing railway stations. I know this from my own neighbourhood, which has a railway station. A public body must ensure that such stations are accessible to everybody; the current situation falls short of that. I ask that this provision is included in the Bill to ensure the best standards are maintained and monitored.