Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
259. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is currently on schedule to meet its obligations under the first Programme Plan of Action of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People; and to outline any risks to delivery that have already been identified. [62895/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
From a policy perspective, I met with members of the disability sector on 29 September 2025 for a constructive dialogue around our shared ambition to ensure 100% transport accessibility in Ireland. The Government launched the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People (NHRSDP) 2025-2030 on 3rd September 2025. In line with the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the strategy puts great importance on engagement with disabled people. Pillar 5 of the strategy, 'Transport and Mobility' contains a number of transport priority actions. I really welcomed the opportunity to hear views on transport accessibility and the new strategy’s actions. It was a valuable and rewarding exchange with Disabled Person Organisations, service providers, Disability User Groups, and board representatives from transport operators.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is currently co-ordinating the finalisation of the first Programme Plan of Action under the NHRSDP. My Department is the Pillar lead for Pillar 5, Transport and Mobility, which contains actions relating to both 'open' public transport and 'closed' personal mobility transport. As with any whole-of-government action plan, it will be critical that all departments and agencies fully collaborate to deliver on the actions under the NHRSDP.
