Office of Public Works

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Ceisteanna (440)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

440. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to commitments contained within the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2024 of the Houses of the Oireachtas that a review of toilets to ensure sufficient provision of gender-neutral toilets would take place; to provide details of any costs incurred to date by the Office of Public Works on delivering on this commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37749/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the conservation, maintenance and care of a range of high-profile historic buildings across Dublin including Leinster House and Government Buildings.

In 2024, the Houses of the Oireachtas published their first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. The purpose of the Strategy is to transform the Irish Parliament into a modern, accessible, and representative workspace that reflects the diversity of contemporary Ireland.

I can confirm that the OPW has not been requested to undertake a specific review of the provision of gender-neutral toilets.

The OPW continues to work closely with the Houses of the Oireachtas to improve accessibility for all users. This includes the provision of accessible toilets, which are, by definition, gender-neutral. In 2024, the OPW carried out accessible works to the restroom facility in the bar corridor at a cost of €2,050.52 (excl. VAT).