asked the Minister for the Environment the steps he is taking to ensure that ramps are provided at the entrance to all public buildings for the use of the handicapped.

There are no requirements in present legislation to provide for such access in new or existing buildings but they are proposed for new buildings in the Draft Building Regulations which were circulated for comment.

Since the health boards are the people involved in many cases would the Minister be willing in circumstances in which buildings are used by the health boards to introduce regulations providing for ramp facilities?

The Minister has answered the question.

We have a considerable volume of comment regarding this question and it will take some time to decide on whether regulations are necessary.

Is the Minister sympathetic towards the idea?

Yes.

Question No. 25 postponed.