Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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270. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if disability access assessments have been conducted at theatres (details supplied); the process by which such assessments are monitored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55463/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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My Department's sets a high priority on diversity and inclusion across all of the functions under its remit.  This is reflected in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2021 - 2023 which sets out a range of sector specific objectives but also a number of cross cutting goals have been incorporated into the Department’s objectives which will be reflected in our policies and programmes over the lifetime of this Statement of Strategy.  This includes a commitment to support and promote diversity, social inclusion and full and effective female participation across the Department’s sectors and society in line with Programme for Government commitments. 

This is further emphasised in Culture 2025, published in January 2020 by my Department, which is a Policy Framework that defines the scope and sets the direction for Government policy in the whole cultural field.  This national framework policy is based on three key principles: 

Recognising the value of culture and creativity to the individual and society

Supporting creative practice and cultural participation; and 

Cherishing our cultural heritage.

The policy recognises that  a healthy cultural and creative life is important for both the individual and for society and that participation in cultural activities can enrich our lives. As such, it is important that the right of people to access, participate in and shape our culture should be recognised throughout their lives, from early childhood right through to old age.  The Arts Council have also published policies in relation to the arts and disability.

In terms of accessibility standards for buildings, these standards are set out in the Technical Guidance Document M on Access and Use under Building Regulations and published by the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government.  Compliance with requirements in this regard is a  matter in the first instance for the theatres concerned.  Any issues relating to failure to provide access required under the law is a matter for the planning authorities and individual local authorities. 

The theatres to which the Deputy refers are in separate local authority areas.  Over the past 20 years, both have received capital funding from my Department. One of the standard conditions of capital grants is the grantee's confirmation that that they are in compliance with all Health and Safety regulations.