I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 54 together.
It is my policy that all transport operators, and in particular State transport companies, should provide the highest possible degree of accessibility within the overall resources available to them. It is the established policy of Iarnród Éireann that all new trains and stations, together with major refurbishment projects at existing stations, should take account of the needs of mobility impaired customers.
DART and new suburban rail rolling stock is accessible. Significant resources are being devoted to the provision of ramps, lifts, tactile surfaces, etc.
By the end of 1999 it is expected that Dublin Bus will have approximately 33 accessible buses in operation. From 2000 all new buses purchased by Dublin Bus will be low floor and fully accessible.
Bus Éireann currently has 21 accessible buses in operation with a further 20 on order. It is Bus Éireann's intention to purchase low floor accessible large capacity single deck buses when replacing its urban fleet.
CIE companies currently have the following arrangements in place to assist mobility impaired customers. Iarnród Éireann has established a disability users group which comprises regular rail users and members of the Irish Wheelchair Association, all of whom have a mobility impairment; has appointed a mobility impaired liaison officer, who co-ordinates the implementation of policy as well as offering assistance to both individuals and groups travelling, and offers assistance on the design of stations and rolling stock; and has a guide for mobility impaired customers which gives information on accessible facilities in stations and a guide for Iarnród Éireann staff on how to assist customers who have a mobility impairment – the latter has been posted out to each individual member of staff. Both guides were written with the assistance of the disability users group.
