Written answers

Monday, 9 September 2024

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Disability Services

Photo of Carol NolanCarol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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1461.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to consider allocating sufficient funding to ensure an adequate level of changing facilities for disabled persons in Laois and Offaly (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35073/24]

Photo of Anne RabbitteAnne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I am committed to enhancing the accessibility of our public spaces to ensure that disabled people are enabled to enjoy them on an equal basis with all others.

Changing Places toilets are an important instrument for accessibility, ensuring greater accessibility of sanitary facilities to disabled people in ways that enhance individual privacy, safety and dignity. Potential users include individuals with complex care needs, people who require the assistance of carers and personal assistants, motorised wheelchair users and people who need to use hoists.

Decisions regarding the provision of Changing Places Toilets in particular locations can reside with a number of bodies or persons. Depending on the location it will most likely be the relevant public body, often the local authority, or will be a private matter for a relevant property owner.

In terms of the policy direction and support provided by government, in 2022, Part M of the Building Regulations was amended to make provision for Changing Places Toilets in certain buildings. This was an important step towards improving community participation and social inclusion for disabled people. The Universal Design Guidelines for Changing Places Toilets launched by the NDA in June of this year is also an important development as it provides additional guidance on the design, management and maintenance of changing places toilets beyond the scope of the building regulations.

Within my Department work is currently underway to develop a new National Disability Strategy which will provide a comprehensive whole-of-government approach to disability matters and a blueprint for the genuine advancement of the rights of people with disabilities in Ireland, thereby further progressing the realisation of the UN Convention. Consultation with disability stakeholders has been an essential feature of the development of the National Disability Strategy and at every stage of the consultation process, the role of universal design and the importance of accessibility were emphasised as key factors in enabling people with disabilities to live lives of their choosing.

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