Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 1

Written Answers - Services for People with Disabilities.

Denis Naughten

Question:

249 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure that private bus operators on a route offered by his Department will provide access for persons with disabilities; if there is legislation covering this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8970/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

Private bus operators are licensed to provide public transport services in accordance with the provisions of the Road Transport Act 1932. The Act does not make specific reference to the provision of accessible buses. This Act is currently under review. It is proposed to replace it with a new statutory framework for the independent regulation of bus services. I am committed to a policy of making public transport accessible for all categories of people who have mobility impairment, such as the physically disabled, the sensory impaired, the elderly, parents with children and so on.

It is therefore my intention that the provision of accessible buses by bus operators will be addressed in detail in the context of the proposed new regulatory regime for bus services. When licences are being issued under the Road Transport Act 1932, my Department requests private operators to use low floor buses with accessibility features where possible in the provision of licensed bus services. Where new vehicles are being purchased for licensed services, my Department requests that the buses accord with appropriate accessibility standards.