Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
330. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures in place to ensure full wheelchair accessibility in all primary and post-primary schools; the number of schools not fully compliant with accessibility standards; the supports available for schools requiring infrastructural upgrades to improve access for wheelchair users; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50861/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department publishes guidance on Universal Access in its School Design Guidance for new primary and post-primary schools and accommodation for pupils with special education needs on the Department’s website. This is available on gov.ie at School Building Design Guidance.
All new school buildings and extensions to schools funded by my department must be designed to cater for persons with varying ranges of physical ability and they must not be disadvantaged by design limitations. Access for All should be provided in all new building works and shall be in accordance with the Building Regulations Part M Access & Use. The criteria set out in the current publications of the National Disability Authority should also be considered in all cases.
All new school projects must be designed and constructed in accordance the Building Regulations Technical Guidance Document Part M – Access & Use and with a granted Disability Access Certificate (DAC), which is a statutory approval. The completed school building project is certified on completion by the Assigned Certifier & Builder as in compliance with the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations.
It is a matter for individual school authorities to ensure compliance of existing school accommodation with statutory requirements and the department does not compile comprehensive data in this regard. As the Deputy may be aware, it is open to school authorities to apply for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) to address unforeseen emergencies, or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for pupils with special needs. Details of the scheme are outlined in Emergency Works Circular Letter 0068/2020 which is available on www.gov.ie.
