Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 527: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will incorporate the Irish Wheelchair Association submission into part M of the building regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19470/06]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 546: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has studied the submission of the Irish Wheelchair Association regarding the review of part M building regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19665/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 527 and 546 together.

Last December I published a Public Consultation Notice announcing a review of Part M of the Building Regulations (Access for People with Disabilities) and the related Technical Guidance Document (TGD) M and inviting specific proposals to amend the existing Part M regime.

Over 40 detailed submissions were made by individuals and organisations, including the Irish Wheelchair Association, by the closing date of 31 March 2006. All submissions are now being carefully examined in my Department and will be fully taken into account in framing proposals to amend Part M and TGD M.

My Department plans to place relevant draft amendment proposals before the Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB) in Autumn 2006 prior to the submission of the drafts for my approval, by end 2006. I propose to publish the draft Part M/TGD M proposals, for another round of public consultation, early in 2007.