Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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770. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to ensure that all public buildings, GP surgeries, churches, bars, restaurants, etc. have adequate accessible toilets, i.e raised toilet seats; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51341/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for this question in relation to the provision of accessible toilet facilities. I know from my engagement with disabled people that this is a critical issue when it comes to accessing vital services and participation in social and cultural life.

Government launched the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which is Ireland’s comprehensive plan to advance the realisation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Strategy will advance delivery on targeted actions that collectively capture the full range of issues impacting on the lives of disabled people, including accessibility of the built environment. Under the Strategy, there will be more coordinated action on accessibility across government, with greater awareness of good practice in Universal Design, good practice in the built environment, in how we provide information to the public, including through information and communications technologies, and in the design and delivery of services.

The accessibility of public spaces, including through the provision of dignified and sanitary toilet facilities, is very important in ensuring that disabled people can participate and thrive within their own communities. Part 3 of the Disability Act, 2005, places an obligation on public bodies to make their buildings and services accessible. Section 25 of the Act states that where Part M Building Regulations 1997 is amended, public buildings shall be brought into compliance with any amendments not later than ten years after the commencement of that amendment.

In terms of the policy direction and support provided by government, in 2022, Part M 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 2024 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. 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 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.