Written answer
Disability Issues
The Department’s offices in Miesian Plaza and Joyce House are currently wheelchair accessible; structural alterations fall under the OPW, with Health leading on Miesian Plaza.
1071. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in cases in which a building under her control is not wheelchair accessible, the reason for this; her plans to remedy this; and the timeline for measures to be completed. [65340/26]
Comment on this
1087. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the wheelchair accessibility of all buildings under her control; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65902/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1071 and 1087 together.
The Department operates from Floors 2 and 3 in the following buildings:
• Block 1 Miesian Plaza, 50-58 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2 (D02 XW14)
• Joyce House, 8-11 Lombard Street East, Dublin 2 (D02 Y729)
These buildings are leased by the OPW on behalf of the Department. Therefore, any alterations to the fabric or structure to the building would fall under the remit of the OPW.
The Department of Health, as lead tenants, are ultimately responsible for liaising with the OPW on accessibility matters in Miesian Plaza.
The Department is responsible for ensuring compliance with its statutory obligations in respect of the buildings it occupies, including accessibility obligations and health and safety requirements and. Both buildings are presently accessible to wheelchair users on a day to day basis.