Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Since the introduction of the Disability Act in 2005, building regulations have been updated with Universal Design in mind and a more comprehensive technical guidance document is now in place. ‘Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use’, or TGD Part M which came into force on 1st January 2012 describes the minimum guidance to illustrate compliance with the requirements of the Part M under the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 526 of 2018). All new buildings, extensions and material alterations must comply with this minimum standard. DFHERIS applies the principles of Universal Design to all new buildings and extensions and also addresses appropriate upgrading of residual stock through retrofitting that incorporates Universal Design principles as far as is practicable.

This Department’s Devolved Capital Grant also provides flexible capital funding to eligible further and higher education institutions to support small-scale building works. Universal Access-related upgrades is one of the categories covered by the grant along with energy efficiency and decarbonisation related measures, health and safety works, minor upgrade and refurbishment works, ICT investments and equipment purchase and renewal. The total allocation of Devolved Grant since 2020 is €200 million.

PATH 4 in the new National Access Plan under the Inclusivity goal is a key driver in delivering the following objectives: To embed a whole-of-institution approach to student success and universal design and to improve opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities to engage in higher education. PATH 4 Phase 1 – Universal Design Fund - will support the embedding of Universal Design approaches and inclusive practices in HEIs which will benefit all students. Once off funding of €3m for Universal Design measures was allocated in 2022. Nineteen HEIs received a total of €3m in Phase 1. Projects are currently ongoing.

My Department will continue to support all Higher Education Institutions in providing facilities for wheelchair users and by promoting Universal Design principles improve access to Higher Education Institution facilities.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Under Section 25 of Disability Act 2005, public bodies must ensure that public buildings are accessible "as far as practicable" to persons with disabilities. This requirement is outlined in part M of the Building Regulations Act, and public buildings must abide by any amendment made to part M within 10 years of that amendment.

All capital projects including new construction, material alteration or extensions funded by my Department are required to be fully compliant with Technical Guidance Document Part M (building regulations - access and use) and all subsequent updates.

The Disability Act 2005 also states that public bodies must put at least one staff member in charge of providing assistance and guidance to people with disabilities who access its services. I can confirm that my Department has an Access Officer appointed in this regard.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.