Bus Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Questions (219)

Martin Browne

Question:

219. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to an instance in which a parent and a child with autism who had attended a hospital appointment were prevented from boarding a bus from Limerick to Dublin due to the fact they were only destined for Roscrea, County Tipperary, and not Dublin; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that parent has also encountered in getting a seat on a Dublin to Limerick bus at Roscrea; if there is a policy to give preference to passengers travelling the full journey of a bus service; and his plans to give parents of children with special needs priority access to transport services. [15256/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in the day-to-day operational aspects of public transport.

The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Bus Éireann, and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my Office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.