Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Senator Bannon did well until the last two sentences and I was going to congratulate him on his positive response. If one examines what was said in the Dáil, one will see I promised I would consider it further and this amendment faithfully incorporates what was discussed. It is the specific point of this amendment.

This issue of access is very important. It is a matter of scandal that people still design buildings without having access in mind. It is true not only in non-residential areas but also in residential areas. Last night, I answered an e-mail from a constituent who moved into a new house and was delighted because it was wheelchair accessible. It is only wheelchair accessible through the back door. What kind of message does this give? More thought must be given to this area. This amendment takes on board the requests lodged by the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disability Federation of Ireland.

Senator Bannon mentioned Part M of the building regulations in passing. A review of Part M was initiated and is under way. Consultation must take place on this and it will be held with disability groups, which is appropriate because these are the groups one listens to in this area. The consultation document will be published later this year. It is important we evolve the thinking in Part M. Senator Bannon is correct to state other access issues arise apart from purely physical access issues. This is why the disability groups will be intimately involved in the consultation process. Part M is good and we need to move beyond it and build on what is good. I thank Senator Bannon for his positive comments.