asked the Minister for Health the outcome, if any, of the discussions with his colleagues, the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Tourism and Transport, on the steps which could be taken to have public transport vehicles modified to facilitate wheelchair users.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wheelchair Users.
9.
I assume that the discussions to which the Deputy refers relate to initiatives taken by the National Rehabilitation Board.
Some time ago the board established a broadly-based committee of persons concerned with the problems of access by disabled persons to public services and public places. The committee has since been in correspondence with the two Government Departments referred to by the Deputy and has had discussions with Córas Iompair Éireann.
I understand that major financial and technical problems would arise in making the necessary modifications to public transport vehicles. Nevertheless, there is a general desire to facilitate wheelchair users and I am hopeful that it will be found possible to meet their needs. I understand that consideration of the problems is continuing.
Is the Minister not aware that on 2 February last, which is one day less than a year ago, he undertook to have discussions with the two Ministers named in the question so as to see what steps, if any, might be taken? Here we are one day less than a year latter and there has been no further progress. Is he not aware that the body representing the people involved are most anxious and concerned and upset at the lack of progress in this matter?
I am not so aware.
Is the Minister saying he has received no communication or correspondence from them in the course of the last year in relation to this matter?
In specific relation to the Minister's reply, does he consider himself to be in a position to talk unilaterally to the Minister for the Environment on the question of issuing directions either by way of bye-laws for housing or in any other form or shape that the Department might specify to have accommodation for it at this stage? The cost of public transport certainly is another factor; we saw that there was no money for that earlier on but in relation to the environment could the Minister not see a way for progress in this year?
The committee has made a submission to the Minister for the Environment dealing with things like special facilities for ramps and door openings in all public buildings such as bus stations, railway stations, airports and so on.
Has there been a reply or response to that from the Custom House?
I am not sure about that.
The question deals with public transport vehicles and not with other matters. I suggest that the Minister should reply to the question.
I have replied to the question.
The Minister has not replied to it. Is the Minister not aware that there is a very simple modification to public transport vehicles in operation in other countries which could be installed on buses here if there was the will?
The Deputy is making a statement. I do not feel called upon to make a reply to statements. If the Deputy wants to make a speech about this matter he can make a speech.
I am asking the Minister if he is aware that there is such a modification to public transport vehicles in operation in other countries.
The Minister gave an answer to the question in the first instance and the Deputy is just repeating the question. I am calling Question No. 10.