Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
167. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Bus Éireann buses nationally do not have screens fitted that could help drivers and passengers to mitigate the spread of Covid- 19; if there are plans to provide such screens to its fleet; the estimated cost of same; and the time frame envisioned for this to take place. [14778/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Day-to-day management and operational aspects of public transport are the responsibility of the individual operators - in this case Bus Éireann - in conjunction with the NTA
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
The Deputy will also be aware that Regulations for the mandatory wearing of face coverings on public transport were introduced under Health legislation on 10 July and came into effect on Monday 13 July. The Regulations also provide that, for vehicles where there is no screen between driver and passenger, the driver is required to wear a face covering when passengers are boarding or alighting from a vehicle.
