Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that World Toilet Day should be a reminder to thousands of people in Ireland experience difficulties in accessing toilet facilities on a daily basis and that we need to change our building regulations to ensure that adequate facilities are mandatory in all public buildings.

Teachta Crowe said:

“On World Toilet Day, it is important to note that thousands of people in Ireland and millions across the world experience difficulties in accessing toilet facilities on a daily basis. This can be as a result of hindered mobility or infirmity. Without access to Changing Places toilet facilities that include a hoist and changing bench, they are effectively locked out of accessing toilet facilities when out of home.

“This causes immense distress to people and has a serious impact on how they can go about their daily lives.

“We must change our building regulations to ensure that such Changing Places facilities are mandatory in all public buildings.

“We have seen time and again in the condition of our footpaths and the difficulties that people have in accessing building adaptation grants that Ireland is not a welcoming place for those with a disability.

“We must do better. If we are to say that we are an inclusive society, we can at the very least ensure that there are footpaths and toilet facilities for those with a disability. Otherwise, we are consigning them to be second class citizens.”