I propose to take Questions Nos. 302, 304 and 308 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead, Irish Rail and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) each have an Access Officer and a Disability User Group. The Disability User Groups provide a forum for operators to consult and update disability organisations on accessibility proposals and developments, and for disability organisations to raise operational and other accessibility issues.
The Travel Assistance Scheme is funded by the NTA and managed on its behalf by Dublin Bus.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities, including in relation to the Travel Assistance Scheme and public transport communication systems, I have forwarded your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.