§ Mr. Fittasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he is taking to ensure that all new schools and places of further education are provided with facilities for disabled people; if he will issue instructions similar to those of his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science in her letter to chief architects of local education authorities in England in January 1977; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Carter,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 9th November 1977; Vol. 938, c. 149], gave the following information
I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in replying.
All educational building authorities are aware that facilities should be designed in such manner as to allow their use by disabled pupils, students and staff, and access facilities for the disabled are provided as far as is reasonable and practicable. Discussions are to be arranged between the Department of Education for Northern Ireland and the education and library boards in order to review current practices and to determine what needs exist and whether adequate account is already taken of those needs. If in the light of this review it seems necessary, further guidance will be given to school building authorities.