Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am an optimist. It is always good to see some good news here and I thank the witnesses for the great work they are doing. The TFI LocalLink has changed the way we do our business. I never thought that was possible but it is certainly being rolled out. A total of 90% of the regular rural bus service has a level of wheelchair accessibility. We need to do more but it is very high. It is great to see.

Like a few speakers, I will be parochial. It is nice to see that the programme has prioritised stations where one platform was not accessible. I see that planning has been approved for my local station in Boyle. I welcome developments at all stations but it is good to see them at Boyle. Regarding changing places facilities, Iarnród Éireann has done good work in Heuston Station and Limerick and it is good to see that it has plans for further installations in Sligo and Athlone. We need more of that.

How does the NTA hear from people with disabilities who are using its services on the ground? Is the NTA using the feedback to improve the services? I like the way Mr. Gilpin has trained people on the trains such that they are effectively service providers. It is good to see that logic comes in to an area. It is great to see Irish Rail is able to resolve those issues. Sometimes it is not just about somebody behind the phone or a desk; it is about their being on the train. That is very good. How far is Ireland away from a fully accessible public transport system? Can these figures be collated and reported on annually?

It was raised on social media that there were taxis at the airport which refused to take wheelchairs. Taxi owners may access a grant to convert their vehicles, but may then refuse to pick up people with disabilities because of the extra work and time involved. Has the NTA received complaints in this regard? How is it supporting taxi drivers who have converted their vehicles to pick up people with disabilities? How is it dealing with people who have not? Is there appropriate monitoring in place in this regard?

Sometimes, people with disabilities get on a train and the information about their needing a ramp, for example, has not been received. How can this be improved? Sometimes, I hear a complaint to the effect that, for example, a ramp may not have been available. Has that been dealt with?

Again, I thank everyone for the great work they are doing. In this committee we work together to try to highlight any issues or problems but sometimes it is nice to give someone an old pat on the back as well.