Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 15

In page 8, line 30, after “practice” to insert “, universal design”.

One of the stated purposes of the Bill is the promotion of best practice in housing development, including best environmental practice, which I hope will include consideration of embodied energy, innovative construction methods and climate adaptive housing. The amendment seeks to include universal design so that we would have homes suitable for people of all ages and crucially homes that are accessible, helping Ireland to meet its obligations under UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD. The Minister will be aware that we have ratified that convention. In dealing with best practice, it would be appropriate to refer explicitly to universal design and the UNCRPD as part of best practice in construction.