David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 275: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to ensure all public libraries in the State are accessible to persons with disabilities; the way in which he intends to achieve this aim; the progress that has been made in this matter to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9597/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Part M of the national building regulations, operative from 1 June 1992, requires that persons constructing new public buildings or extending existing public buildings are obliged to provide access for people with disabilities. Advice on how to comply with Part M is contained in technical guidance document M published by my Department.

The Disability Bill 2004 is currently before the Oireachtas. In anticipation of its enactment, my Department has prepared a draft local government outline sectoral plan. There will be full consultation on this draft sectoral plan with representatives of people with disabilities over the coming months, prior to its approval by the Oireachtas under the Disabilities Bill when enacted. In so far as libraries are concerned, any requirements will be part of the accessibility plan to be prepared by local authorities and will be included in their implementation plans.

In addition to physical access to library buildings for people with disabilities, my Department is providing funding for the provision of optical scanning facilities in public libraries to assist visually impaired persons and the necessary software and equipment to assist persons with learning and literacy difficulties. A fund of €440,000 is available to meet the cost of providing 100 optical scanners in public libraries. To date, grants have been paid towards purchase, installation and associated training costs for optical scanners in 41 public libraries.