15. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the role of accessibility officers in Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council; what oversight is in place to ensure future housing developments meet universal design standards; and if additional measures are being considered to improve accessibility in social and affordable housing projects. [12947/25]

Sentiment score: 0.22

Go n-éirí leis an Aire ina phost nua. Will the Minister provide an update on the role of accessibility officers in all councils, but particularly Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council? What oversight is in place to ensure future housing developments meet universal design standards? Are additional measures being considered to improve accessibility in social and affordable housing projects?

Sentiment score: 0.21

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. I thank him for noting that this is something I did at local level. I would really like to see it carried through. As he stated, an independent framework is provided for in section 63 of the Local Government Act. However, section 26 of the Disability Act 2005 places an obligation on public bodies, including local authorities, to have one accessibility officer. I have spoken to people in Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council. In that context, I want to know what enforcement mechanisms the Minister has to push local authorities to comply with the Disability Act 2005. As many accessibility officers work part time and do not have clear job descriptions, their work on disability inclusion is often treated as an add-on rather than the main focus.

Sentiment score: 0.07

It is great that the Minister will reach out to local authorities. I do not want to be Dublin Bay-North centred; this is for all local authorities. The main point is that we are already required by law to protect the rights of disabled people by ensuring there is equality, accessibility and non-discrimination. The Government has a pivotal role in providing local authorities with adequate resources to fulfil their obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This requires a significant increase in funding for local government. I called for that yesterday and I am calling for it again. Local government is what we need to be funding because those involved know the people on the ground and the people they are dealing with. I urge the Government to do that. It creates a more equal system where no region is left behind.

Sentiment score: 0.24