Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 September 2026
775. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection in cases in which a building under his control is not wheelchair accessible, the reason for this; his plans to remedy this; and the timeline for measures to be completed. [65354/26]
View answer776. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the wheelchair accessibility of all buildings under his control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65324/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 775 and 776 together.
The Department of Social Protection is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible to all customers, including persons with disabilities.
The department delivers services from a wide range of locations throughout the State, including Intreo Centres, Branch Offices and administrative offices. The vast majority of these buildings include features such as accessible entrances, lifts and accessible toilet facilities which enable access for both customers and staff.
Responsibility for the department's property portfolio rests primarily with the Office of Public Works (OPW). The OPW works to ensure that buildings meet accessibility requirements and that identified accessibility issues are addressed through maintenance, refurbishment and accommodation programmes.
Where accessibility issues are identified, the department, in conjunction with the OPW, assess the feasibility of remedial works and seeks to implement appropriate solutions. Accessibility improvements are undertaken either as stand-alone projects or as part of broader refurbishment and upgrade works. Improvements can range from the provision of ramps and handrails to modifications of reception areas and sanitary facilities.
While the department and the OPW remain committed to improving accessibility across the estate, it is not possible to provide a definitive timeline for completion of all accessibility works. Accommodation projects are subject to technical assessment, statutory approvals, procurement processes and funding availability. Accessibility improvements will continue to be progressed on an ongoing basis, having regard to the factors above, to ensure that services remain available to all customers.
Over the last 12 months, the OPW has concluded a number of Universal Access related projects across the Intreo network of facilities, including:
• Clonmel - Universal Access Toilet
• Clondalkin - Accessible Staff Entrance
• Kilkenny - Accessible Entrance & Lobby
