Victor Boyhan (Independent)

It is before us tomorrow, but I am going to speak about it now. This will give me the opportunity to convey an email about it to the Minister this afternoon. Every year, I stand up here because this is a statutory requirement to bring this motion to both Houses of Oireachtas. It needs Oireachtas approval for such a minor detail. I have no difficulty with the restaurateurs, or anybody using the public realm outside to maximise their business. I see the health, goodness and the community benefits of having the public realm used in terms of social interaction. My main concern is that of people with disabilities. Advocates for the disability sector and the visually impaired sector constantly tell me they are confronted with challenges in navigating the public realm. There has to be democracy attached to the public realm and public space and, therefore, to be told politely to "F off" basically when they are asked to get out of the way.

All over Dublin, the suburbs and the country we have extended tables and chairs way beyond the parameters of this legislation. People with disabilities, people with young children and tricycles and elderly people cannot navigate our streets. This motion is going ahead, and I am supporting it, but with that comes an explanatory memorandum telling the local authorities it is their responsibility to police this and work with the disability sector. It is important that everyone and every sector of society and community are entitled to equal access to the public realm. That needs to be borne in mind in relation to this legislation.