Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020

Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Ceisteanna (1097)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

1097. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if drivers and passengers with Bus Éireann will be kept safe as the restrictions are relaxed over the next weeks; if protective screens will be put in place between the driver and passengers on all buses; if a system of payment will be put in place that does not involve the exchange of money between driver and passenger; if the mobile cleaning units promised on 27 March 2020 will be established to ensure all buses are regularly disinfected; if a cleaning regime for all depots will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7020/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

The Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and it has been designated among the essential services that are to carry on. I would like to thank operators and staff for their continued dedication to providing this vital service in such challenging times.

A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network. My Department is engaging directly with the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to these measures and the NTA is coordinating the response of public transport operators, including Bus Éireann.

Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.