Written Answers Nos. 47-76
47. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Irish Defence Forces personnel currently deployed on overseas missions; the location of each deployment; the further plans he has, if any, for future deployment overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21847/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 7 May 2024, Ireland is contributing 400 Defence Forces personnel to overseas missions and locations, which reflects the Government's continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.
The main mission in which personnel are currently deployed is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 328 personnel.
Ireland also contributes personnel to two other UN missions located in the Middle East, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) Israel & Syria with 11 personnel, and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria, with 5 personnel. Observers and staff are also deployed to various United Nations and OSCE missions and in addition, Defence Forces personnel hold staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE headquarters.
Though there are currently no plans to increase our commitment to UN peacekeeping in terms of participation in further missions, from this July, I can inform the Deputy that a further 33 personnel will be sent to UNIFIL as an additional force protection measure. The possibility of further deployments will not be ruled out in the future following the completion of the Defence Forces process of consolidation and planning.
Full details of all personnel currently serving in missions overseas are listed below.
MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS
As of 07 May 2024
|
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQUNIFIL 123rd Infantry BattalionUNIFIL Sector West HQ |
83164 |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria |
11 |
|
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side) |
5 |
|
TOTAL |
344 |
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
|
|
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
5 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
13 |
|
Naval Service EU Naval Mission (Op Irini) OHQ/FHQ (Op Irini HQ - 3 in OHQ)(1 in FHQ) |
4 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
366 |
|
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
|
|
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
EU MILITARY STAFF (EUMS) |
|
|
Brussels |
8 |
|
EU BATTLE GROUP (EUBG) |
|
|
German Led Battle Group 2024-2,FHQ , Stadtallendorf |
9 |
|
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
|
|
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
Military Representative to EU (Brussels) |
4 |
|
Liaison Officer of Ireland, NATO /PfP (Brussels) |
3 |
|
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Military C-IED Expert, UNMAS, UN Training Entebbe |
1 |
|
EUMAM UA |
4 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
400 |
48. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if all test centre personnel should have received the pandemic recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22113/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January 2022, the Government announced a COVID-19 Pandemic Recognition Payment (PRP) for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. At Government level, the Department of Health has primary policy responsibility for this initiative, with the consent of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, as it was then.
The payment is not subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The Government announcement also made provision for a pro-rata application of the payment. The payment amounts to €1,000 for those eligible staff who worked at least 60% Whole Time Equivalent (WTE), for at least 4 weeks during the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021, and €600 for below 60% WTE. Those who worked less than 4 weeks are not in scope of the measure.
The measure is ring-fenced to eligible staff that were ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments during the pandemic. In terms of Defence Forces personnel, this means members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in front-line Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE.
Work to identify all COVID-related duties undertaken by members of the Defence Forces has been completed by Military Management in order to identify personnel who may be eligible for this recognition payment.
The validation and subsequent payment of the PRP, to those members of the Defence Forces, deemed eligible and therefore in line for payment of the PRP, have been processed by the Department of Defence, based on information supplied by Military Management, a process which was ongoing from October 2022 to the end of 2023.
At this point in time I am assured that all members of the Defence Forces, deemed in scope for payment of this PRP, have received their payments and I have been advised that there are no outstanding cases.
49. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the Defence Forces' anti-submarine warfare capability; if he has any plans to upgrade it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22160/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure the operational capacity of the Naval Service, Air Corps and Army is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Equipment priorities for the Naval Service, Air Corps and Army are continuously considered in the context of the capability and equipment development planning processes.
There is a significant body of work currently underway to ensure that the Defence Forces have the required capabilities with equipment projects in various stages of the project lifecycle.
Most significantly for the subsea domain, a civil-military working group established to progress a programme of work for subsea awareness capabilities is concluding a key stage of the process. The Needs Phase, which sets out the rational and justification for the capability and identifies and appraises potential solutions is due to complete shortly. This working group assessed a variety of capabilities including sonar capabilities in line with the new Infrastructure guidelines published in December 2023. Recommendations on an investment programme of work will be brought for approval shortly. The work completed to date, once approved, will provide clear direction for the development of enhanced subsea awareness capabilities for the Defence Forces.
56. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the details of the local link services currently available in counties Cavan and Monaghan, respectively; his plans for additional routes or an expansion of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21828/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government recognises the importance of accessible and efficient transport links in rural Ireland for fostering social inclusion, economic development, and overall quality of life. In support of this, our ambitious plan for rural connectivity, Connecting Ireland, has seen exponential growth in rural transport services over the last few years, with over 100 new and expanded services rolled out since it commenced in mid-2022.
To address specific concerns in rural areas such as County Cavan and Monaghan, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have secured increased funding to improve rural transport services across the country, with funding increasing from €12m in 2016 to €57m in 2024.
This additional funding has resulted in considerable investment in regular, scheduled services in Cavan and Monaghan in recent years, such as the Route 929 Cavan Town Daily Commuter, Route C2 Ballinagh to Cavan General Hospital, Route C3 Cavan Town Route, and Route M2 Monaghan Town Route.
This investment has also resulted in a significant increase in Local Link passenger numbers, where in Cavan/Monaghan there has been a 121% increase, from over 140,000 in 2019 to over 317,000 by the end of 2023.
With regards to future additional and expanded services, the NTA's plans include services covering the M1 Knockatallon to Monaghan Institute, and the enhancement of Route 187 running from Virginia to Kells through Ballyjamesduff, where the public consultation concluded last month. As with all other new services, the implementation of these improvements are of course subject to the availability of continued and increased funding for public transport services as secured under the Annual Estimates Process.
The improvements that have been made to rural transport under this Government are real and tangible and are making a positive difference to people's lives across the country.
57. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has any provision for new train stations in the east Cork area; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22148/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy has been developed to deliver an accessible, integrated transport network that enables the sustainable growth of Cork up to 2040, including the rail system in the area.
Good progress has been made in delivering key projects within the Strategy, including the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme. This Programme represents the largest investment in the rail network in Cork in the history of the State. It involves the delivery of increased capacity, frequency and sustainability on the three commuter rail lines between Cobh and Midleton in east Cork, Mallow to the north, and Cork Kent station in the city centre.
More specifically, the Programme aims to provide for:
• The development and integration of the three rail corridors by providing a high-frequency north-east connection through the city centre between Cobh, Midleton and Mallow;
• A multi-modal integrated transport hub at Kent Station;
• Additional rolling stock to meet existing and future demand;
• New stations and Park & Ride interchange points.
Phase 1 of the Programme consists of a signalling upgrade, a through-platform at Kent Station, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton. This phase has received EU Funding under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Work is well underway for this phase and is on schedule to be completed by the end of 2026.
The Programme also plans for the delivery of up to eight new stations in future on the commuter corridors, including in east Cork. Works to facilitate the new stations are at an early design stage.
A Preliminary Business Case in relation to the full Programme is currently being developed. Subject to funding and achieving the relevant approvals, the development of additional rail stations will occur after Phase 1 is complete. I look forward to announcing the progression of the Preliminary Business Case preparation later this year, which will provide further momentum on this important Programme.
60. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport his views on providing more flexibility of stops on rural bus routes; if he will provide an update on the additional stops on the 432 route; if full flexibility will be allowed for on this route in order that passengers can request stops as needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22109/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to assure the Deputy that I recognise that transport connectivity is hugely important for people who live and work in Ireland and it is key to bringing life back into our villages, towns and urban centres. I am strongly committed to providing all citizens with safe, reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and our new Connecting Ireland programme plays a key role in the achievement of this goal.
The National Transport Authority have advised that existing and proposed stops for new Connecting Ireland Local Link regular PSO bus services are identified by the Galway Local Link office and the NTA, in consultation with the relevant Local Authority. To this end, the NTA is aware that there are significant coverage gaps along the new Connecting Ireland regular bus routes, and have been actively working with Local Link Galway to provide additional stop locations.
However, this is subject to agreement with the Local Authority, as they are statutorily responsible for approving new bus stops. The NTA's current policy is that regular PSO services should only pick up or set down passengers at officially sanctioned stopping locations for safety reasons.
In relation to the Deputy's query regarding the 432 service, the NTA have advised that this was a new service launched in November 2022 with three return services per day between Clifden, Carna and Carraroe. The NTA has further advised that Galway Local Link is currently trialling additional stops on the Local Link 432 alignment. Finally, the NTA has agreed with Galway Local Link to operate smaller buses on this route to allow for a more flexible operation of services.
I think the steps being taken demonstrate a real willingness to work with local communities through the Local Link structure to try and adapt services as they are rolled out to better serve local needs. I'd be happy to hear any specific suggestions the Deputy might have on the issue.
62. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22100/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs committed to in the current National Development Plan, the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor is being considered as part of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. This Rail Review was announced by me in 2021, in partnership with the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
The Review will inform the development of rail on the island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net carbon zero targets in both jurisdictions. Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft Report was published for a Strategic Environmental Assessment public consultation in July of last year.
The draft Report makes 30 recommendations for the rail system across the island out to 2050. Implementation of these recommendations would result in substantial improvements in the capacity, speed, frequency and reach of the rail system. Journey times by rail would be much reduced, and frequency would increase to at least hourly between cities and every two hours on rural and regional routes. The network would be decarbonised, with the intercity routes electrified. There would be the rehabilitation of currently disused lines, including on Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris, as well as new lines to the North-Midlands and North-West, increasing the size of the rail network, widening accessibility and connectivity through rail.
All of this would at least double the market share of rail and enable it to be a stronger backbone of a sustainable public transport system for the people of Ireland.
The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September 2023 and submissions have been reviewed by officials from both jurisdictions.
It is expected that a final Review report, taking account of the comments raised in the consultation, will be submitted for Government approval in both jurisdictions shortly and that the final Review will be published immediately thereafter. I look forward to the Review report's publication.
66. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the plans and strategies being introduced to reduce waiting times in Cavan’s driving test centre; if he is aware of the lengthy waiting times at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21843/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the end of April, the estimated wait time to be invited to sit a driving test in Cavan was 16 weeks, compared to a national average of 14.9 weeks. While this is still above the service level agreement target of 10 weeks, significant progress has been made since last August, when the estimated wait time was 34 weeks in Cavan and 30.4 weeks nationally. The Deputy may be interested to note that the Road Safety Authority has recently started to publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service on the CSO website, including the breakdown of waiting times and distribution of testing capacity be test centre.
The driving testing service is currently facing unprecedented demand, with the number of applications for tests rising by 23% year-on-year. Progress in reducing wait times has been achieved in large part through the sanctioning of 75 additional driving tester posts on a temporary basis by my Department last March, with the first additional testers entering active service last September. The RSA currently has sanction to employ up to 205 driver testers in total, which is more than double the 100 sanctioned posts in June 2022.
To further assist with reducing waiting times, in October last year a change was made to the booking system to allow any unused test slots to be made available for candidates to take up at short notice. If a driving test is cancelled at short notice, the RSA now make this appointment available to the general public on the MyRoadSafety portal. Following this change, test slot utilisation rates have risen from around 95% to 98%, delivering further testing capacity to the system.
I recognise the challenges that excessive driving test wait times are imposing on people throughout the country, including in Cavan, and I welcome the Road Safety Authority's commitment to restoring average wait times to the target, 10-week level in the summer. My officials are in regular engagement with the RSA to monitor progress towards this goal.
67. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he has any plans to introduce congestion charges in the State; and if he will outline how the charges would work. [15530/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have no plans to introduce congestion charging at this time. However, there is no denying that congestion is a problem. At a national level, the cost of congestion to the economy is projected to reach €2 billion by 2040.
So to help address the issue of congestion, I recently published for public consultation a draft Strategy 'Moving Together: A Strategic Approach to Improving the Efficiency of Ireland’s Transport System' along with a draft Implementation Plan.
The aim of this Strategy is to make our transport system more efficient and to alleviate the impacts of car-dependency and congestion on the economy, the environment and the health of our society. As the Deputy will appreciate, by reducing congestion in our cities and towns, we will also reduce harmful emissions, and improve the air quality, safety and liveability of our urban spaces.
By endorsing this approach, the Strategy has the capacity to improve journey times for car drivers, public transport users, business and freight, leading to improvements in local air quality and reduced stress with associated health benefits for drivers and non-drivers alike.
While Moving Together does not contain a prescriptive series of actions, it does provide a firm policy direction and suite of options - such as road space reallocation, progressive taxation, freight efficiency, and behavioural incentives - that can be taken at national, regional and local levels to bring about the systems changed needed.
Other options are congestion charging, urban road user charging, low emissions zones and Clean Air Zones. The draft Strategy recommends the development of legislation to support the introduction of such measures, which would involve working with key stakeholders to review existing legislation and to bring forward legislative proposals to provide sufficient implementing powers, if needed, to relevant agencies and Local Authorities.
However, irrespective of legislation that may be put in place in the future, it will remain a matter for those authorities, along with local representatives, to determine the best measures for reducing congestion and improving the use of space in cities and town.
This Government fully recognises that measures that reduce inefficient journeys are most effective and equitable when alternative, more sustainable, public transport and active travel options are readily available. For this reason, the recommendations being made in the draft Strategy will go hand-in-hand with the extensive range of Government investment and supports already in place or planned for public transport, walking, cycling, and electric vehicles.
68. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport his views on the inhumane policy regarding comfort breaks within Dublin Bus, where drivers are being penalised for having to use facilities, which is causing buses to run late, and comfort breaks having to be recorded. [16995/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the opportunity to address the comfort break policy that Dublin Bus has for its drivers.
I want to start by reassuring the Deputy that Dublin Bus is fully committed to ensuring that all of their employees working across the network, such as drivers or mechanics, have adequate and appropriate access to bathroom facilities while carrying out their duties.
I have been advised by Dublin Bus that they currently have a project team in place to examine and review the existing policy around comfort breaks at the company, with a view to identifying possible improvements.
The project team is working with other public transport operators, the NTA, and other stakeholders to examine the potential to share facilities amongst operators, as well as sourcing additional facilities for employees to utilise when operating their routes. As a result of this work, new facilities recently opened at Liffey Valley, and an agreement has been reached with UCD and the Beckett Locke Hotel for drivers to have access to their facilities when required. The project team is working on acquiring access to additional facilities at a further 14 strategic locations across the city.
As the Deputy will be aware, the performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators, including Dublin Bus. I am advised that the only records kept by Dublin Bus in relation to comfort breaks are related to the potential impact on service delivery by way of delays.
I would like to assure the Deputy, that my department has been informed by Dublin Bus that none of their drivers are penalised for having to use facilities while operating public transport services.
70. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the N4 upgrade from Mullingar to Rooskey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21996/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question. I know that this project is of great interest to him.
The Government has earmarked €5.1 billion for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the National Development Plan. The greater portion of the funding for new road projects becomes available in the second half of the decade, and this has meant that there was a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year.
Approximately €411m of exchequer capital funds have been provided for national roads through TII to local authorities in 2024. These allocations were announced by the Department of Transport and TII on the 22nd of February.
Having regard to the funding constraint outlined above, it was not possible to provide an allocation to all new national road projects in the NDP for 2024. However, the majority of projects have been allocated funding, including the N4 Mullingar to Longford Scheme, which has received an allocation of €1.44 million.
This project, as proposed, would run for 54km between Mullingar and Rooskey, bypassing towns and villages including Rathowen, Edgeworthstown and Newtown Forbes. A draft Emerging Preferred Transport Corridor has been determined and work is ongoing on finalising the preferred route. It is expected that the route selection phase will conclude later this year, with the next phase involving the detailed design and environmental evaluation of the project. As with all national roads projects included in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review this year and in future years. This will include consideration of all developments in relation to the project.
I hope that this information is of assistance.
71. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether a park-and-ride facility is planned for the north side of Cork city. [22096/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including park & ride facilities.
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) established a Park and Ride Development Office (PRDO) in February 2020. The function of the PRDO is to advance plans and proposals for the delivery of strategic Park & Ride facilities in the Greater Dublin Area and in the Regional Cities. This involves working with Local Authorities and transport operators, such as Iarnród Éireann, by providing full time specialist resources to develop designs and secure the necessary approvals or permits for individual sites.
The National Development Plan (NDP) identifies a Park & Ride Programme serving Irish Rail, Luas and bus stations in its national investment priorities for the transport sector. Building on these high-level priorities, work is ongoing to identity locations in the Cork metropolitan area in line with the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.
Arising from this work several rail based strategic Park and Ride sites have been identified including in Dunkettle and Blarney in Cork. However, the delivery of these Park & Ride sites may be contingent on the delivery of proposals such as the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme and track upgrades, work is ongoing to advance proposals in advance of such interventions where possible.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
72. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update and progress report on the current status of the TEN-T project for Donegal. [22072/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
I can confirm that a Preliminary Business Case has been submitted to the Department of Transport for review as part of the process in seeking Government approval at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines. Also as part of this process, an External Assurance (EA) of the business case has been carried out. Once this EA has been reviewed by the Local Authority and the Department of Transport, the next step in the process is to submit the PBC and EA to the Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG), in advance of the submission of the Memo for Government for final cabinet decision.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you regarding the status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
74. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the N17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22101/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €900,000 was provided in 2024 for the N17 Knock to Collooney. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for this project will be kept under review for 2025 and in future years, and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
75. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position regarding new calls for active travel projects in 2024; if there is an anti-rural bias in the allocation of funding and the projects completed nationwide to date; if he will provide a detailed breakdown of where the funding has gone, projects completed and whether each was an urban or rural location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22110/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Funding under the Active Travel Programme is focused on areas where it will have the greatest impact in terms of modal shift away from private cars. As the pipeline of projects continues to grow, we are now moving into a period of project prioritisation. While this may favour projects in urban areas, there is no requirement that funding must be spent in larger towns and cities. Viable projects in smaller towns and villages in rural areas are eligible for funding under the Active Travel Programme.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
76. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the actions he is taking to ensure floating bus islands are safe for disabled pedestrians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22126/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 the provision of public transport infrastructure as well as the provision of an accessible, integrated public transport system for all users.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport infrastructure, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
