To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the steps she is taking to ensure disabled access in all government buildings.

My Department is committed to equality and ensuring our government offices are accessible.

All newly constructed offices and major refurbishments on the DoF Office Estate comply with access requirements in the Building Regulations. The design of the office will also consider the recommendations contained in the 2018 BS 8300 ‘Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment Part 2: Buildings’ Code of Practice, whenever feasible.

All existing buildings are as accessible as is practicable, given our Estate includes some listed and heritage buildings but, as a minimum, comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination (Providers of Services) (Adjustment of Premises) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003, to ensure that our staff and visitors, including those with disabilities, can access and work safely in our buildings.