Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 247: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). [34536/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department's Sectoral plan, as provided for in section 36 of the Disability Act 2005, was developed in consultation with people with disabilities to assist the Department and local authorities in supporting an inclusive society with accessible buildings, facilities, services and information. There are statutory provisions, codes of practice and guidelines available to assist local authorities in providing the measures required in the Sectoral Plan. The "Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information Provided by Public Bodies", published by the National Disability Authority under section 30 of the Disability Act covers access to services provided by a public body and the provision of information to the public. This Code will assist local authorities in meeting their obligations under the Act. The sectoral plan also refers to the Government's target of 3% for the employment of people with disabilities, which the local government sector has exceeded each year since 2001.

My Department is represented on the Local Government Disability Act Steering Committee, which was established by the Local Government Management Services Board to promote consistent implementation of measures required under the Act. It does so by addressing common issues across local authorities, updating best practice guidance, and organising staff seminars. The Committee's output includes the June 2006 Guidance Framework for Developing an Implementation Plan as well as the establishment of a Good Practice in Accessibility website to support local authority personnel implementing the National Disability Strategy. The website showcases good practice, provides practical answers to common queries, hosts a discussion forum and provides links to relevant published material.

Local authority implementation plans are published and placed on their websites and are required to contain targets and timeframes for carrying out required works. Priority is given to local authority buildings and other facilities to which people with disabilities most frequently require access, including footpaths, public amenity areas, information and other services. My Department will have provided €58 million by the end of 2008 to assist local authorities in delivering high standards of access to people with disabilities and in carrying out actions under the National Disability Strategy.

My Department has also established a Disability Act Sectoral Plan Advisory Committee. This committee, comprised of representatives of the Department and bodies under its aegis, people with disabilities, the National Disability Authority and local authorities, provides a forum to review progress in the implementation of plans.

With regard to the specific issue raised in the Question, my Department's Development Management Guidelines, issued in June 2007, state that planning authorities should consider whether it is necessary to add conditions to planning permissions for housing and commercial development to ensure access for all in the approach to buildings from the main road, street or disabled car parking. The Guidelines also state that the necessity to ensure that the design implications of accessibility are addressed should be brought to potential applicants' attention at pre-application consultation stage. They refer planning authorities to the National Disability Authority's 2002 publication "Building for Everyone" for examples of good practice. The Guidelines were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála are obliged to have regard to them in the exercise of their functions under the Act.