Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the response and encouraging words. Like so many issues, there is goodwill in many policies but the end user does not get the best value. Part M has been amended to ensure there is provision in certain buildings and relates to the Minister of State's Department but nothing has been made compulsory. Currently, it is not compulsory to provide "changing places and toilets" when public toilets are being upgraded. We are moving into a new Ireland and a new accessible and welcoming world. If the provision of changing places and toilets is not made mandatory, we are saying "No" to the people who need them and that they are only welcome in certain buildings and certain parts of our towns.

I want specific positive grants that encourages businesses, organisations and local authorities to create products for everyone in the community. A person who is either visually or physically impaired needs to be able to use facilities. Avondale Forest Park in County Wicklow is a wonderful product and has a wonderful relationship with the Carlingford Adventure Centre in County Louth. That is important but we cannot say we have only one product that is welcoming. Where else in County Wicklow can someone go on any day? Are there changing places and suitable toilets close by? We are not disability proofing. The only way we can disability proof buildings and communities is to make it mandatory and positively discriminate towards people with disabilities. That will benefit everyone not just people with disabilities.