Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
188. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if it is the policy of Dublin Bus, the National Transport Authority, NTA, or any Transport for Ireland, TFI, bus operators to record bus drivers' bathroom breaks alongside identifying information; given the lack of bathroom facilities at some bus termini and the length of some bus routes, if he thinks such a policy is appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11244/24]
View answer189. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport given the duty of care that bus operators have towards their employees, if he or the bus operators have considered the potential impact of any policy to record bus drivers' bathroom breaks alongside identifying information on the mental health of bus drivers on account of compromised privacy; if he or the bus operators have considered the potential impact on the physical health of bus drivers who may be putting off taking necessary bathroom breaks as a result of any policy to record bus drivers' bathroom breaks alongside identifying information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11245/24]
View answer190. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport which persons would have access to any identifiable records of bathroom breaks taken by bus drivers; what measures are in place to ensure that this access policy is adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11246/24]
View answer191. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to make bathroom facilities available for drivers at all bus termini; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11247/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 188 to 191, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. I can confirm that my Department does not hold any identifiable records of bathroom breaks taken by bus drivers, nor would the National Transport Authority hold such records.
The questions raised by the Deputy are an operational matter for the individual bus companies: Bus Éíreann; Dublin Bus; and Go-Ahead Ireland, respectively. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's questions to each of the companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
