Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
302. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the progress made by the National Transport Authority in establishing a formal engagement process with key disability representative groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32106/21]
View answer304. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a version of Dublin Bus's free travel assistance scheme for customers over 18 years of age with a disability in all counties annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32108/21]
View answer308. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to ensure that all public transport services offer functioning, correct audible announcements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32112/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 302, 304 and 308 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead, Irish Rail and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) each have an Access Officer and a Disability User Group. The Disability User Groups provide a forum for operators to consult and update disability organisations on accessibility proposals and developments, and for disability organisations to raise operational and other accessibility issues.
The Travel Assistance Scheme is funded by the NTA and managed on its behalf by Dublin Bus.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities, including in relation to the Travel Assistance Scheme and public transport communication systems, I have forwarded your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
