Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 445: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of primary school buildings that are wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16260/09]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 446: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of secondary school buildings that are wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16261/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 445 and 446 together.

It is the policy of my Department to provide all new schools with access for all facilities and special toilets for disabled teachers and students. In addition, new schools with two or more storeys are provided with lifts. My Department advises school authorities and their design teams of accessibility requirements during the architectural planning process for such projects. This approach is also taken for large scale extension and refurbishment projects.

For example, between 2002 and 2008, some 403 large scale primary school projects and 168 large scale post primary school projects were completed or were on site and these projects would have complied with the relevant building regulations in relation to accessibility. In addition, between 2005 and 2007, some 144 projects were carried out under the Summer Works Scheme specifically to address the issue of universal access in existing buildings and further projects will be approved under the Summer Works Scheme for 2009.

Of the remaining school buildings in use in the State, my Department does not have full details of their accessibility for users of wheelchairs as many school authorities use their annual devolved minor works grants to provide access for all to their buildings. However, where a pupil with special access needs enrols in a primary or post primary school, it is open to the school to apply to my Department's School Planning and Building Unit for a capital grant to facilitate the requirements of such pupils where the need rises.

Projects to provide special needs facilities attract a Band 1 rating under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. This is the highest band rating possible reflecting my Department's commitment to ensuring that the requirements of special needs pupils are met as expeditiously as possible. If a school has an unforeseen need, it may apply for emergency grant aid.