Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
281. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the challenges faced by persons with debilitating conditions who are wheelchair users and who are reliant on public transport to get to appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15125/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and funding in relation to 'open' public transport. 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, especially for disabled people, persons with disabilities and older people.
However, 'closed' transport services, for example dedicated disability transport supports, are outside of my 'open' public transport remit. This means that I have no funding for the disability transport service referred to by the Deputy in the 'Details Supplied' section of her Question.
Responsibility for policy and funding for disability transport services, including the specific service referred to by the Deputy, lies with the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality and the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability.
As a commitment in the Programme for Government, the Department of An Taoiseach is establishing a unit within its Department which will focus on disability, reflecting a commitment to a step change in supports and services required by people with disabilities. In my role as Minister for Transport I will be engaging with that unit with an emphasis on addressing the wider issues such as ensuring that all public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers.
