Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016
831. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of bus drivers that have been trained to operate wheelchair lifts on buses; the number still waiting to be trained; the cost of training all bus drivers to operate the aforementioned lifts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22191/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and funding in relation to public transport.
My Department provides funding to the NTA for a rolling programme of bus replacement of the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann PSO fleets both in the Greater Dublin Area and nationally. This has enabled 100% of the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann city fleets to be wheelchair accessible, as well as approximately 80% of Bus Éireann coaches (which are wheelchair accessible by lift) and this will increase as the coach fleet is replaced.
The issue of training Bus Eireann coach drivers to operate these lifts is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
