Mary Wallace
Ceist:312 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the level of compliance of Ireland with all European directives and guidelines on the provision of accessible public transport. [12514/96]
Written Answers. - Accessible Public Transport.
Mary Wallace
Ceist:313 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the initiatives, if any, he intends to pursue to promote the accessibility of public transport to people with disabilities during the forthcoming Irish Presidency of the European Council of Ministers. [12515/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 313 together.
There are as yet no European Union directives or guidelines in force within my area of responsibility regarding the provision of accessible public transport.
The Green Paper on the Citizens' Network which was published by the European Commission earlier this year addresses a wide range of issues relating to public transport systems, including the question of improved access to these systems for people with disabilities. The Green Paper has been circulated to organisations representing the interests of the people with disabilities as part of a general consultative process initiated by the Commission. During its Presidency, Ireland intends to provide a full opportunity to the EU Transport Council for a constructive discussion of the proposals in the Green Paper. This discussion will help provide guidance to the Commission on possible future legislative or policy initiatives on the issues covered by the document.