James Bannon (Fine Gael)

The National Disability Authority, NDA, has produced a number of documents on accessibility of buildings for disabled people. In its submission to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the review of Part M of the building regulations the NDA recommended, among other provisions, that the definition of "disability" used in Part M should include a reference to the Disability Act 2005. It also recommended the inclusion of those with a range of impairments, including those with hearing difficulties, to which I have referred, speech and other impairments limiting mobility, as well as hand and arm movements, etc. Technical guidance standards for non-residential buildings in key problem areas should be raised to best international standards. Several documents have referred to this and those of us in constant communication with people with disabilities know this should happen. I would welcome the standards set out in Part M being reflected in other parts of the building regulations.

The Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disability Federation of Ireland proposed the Bill be amended to increase the sanctions for breach of the building regulations in the Bill. Amendments have been tabled to increase fines and ensure the costs of the enforcement authorities for the investigation and prosecution of a breach in regulations are carried by those who are non-compliant. This should happen, as should publishing the consultation process before work commences on any construction in all major public developments. As well as this, regulations in the Bill regarding disability access and the use of a building should be the same as in current building regulations. An access statement should also be part of a planning application. It is important that these be done.

My party tabled amendments in the Dáil which would have covered many of these recommendations. Unfortunately, they were considered unnecessary and rejected by the Government. I was greatly disappointed when I read the Official Report of the Dáil debate and the Minister's comments on this issue. I wish to put on record my concerns and I hope the Minister will address them.