Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Yes. It is an issue that comes up constantly in respect of Dublin Bus. I accept that it often comes down to the goodwill of passengers, especially those with buggies, but it is not unusual for wheelchair users to have to wait for several buses to pass by before they can board one. Are additional powers needed for bus drivers to impose rules as to who should have priority? Would a publicity campaign be helpful to educate the public on the specific needs of wheelchair users who access public transport? We must give more certainty to people who are dependent on the buses to get around. In the case of Bus Éireann, are there designated stops for wheelchair users in particular locations? I understand ground gradients are an issue at some stops. Is a strategic approach being taken to accommodate wheelchair users to a greater degree?

In regard to Dublin Bus, Mr. Courtney said the intention is to alleviate short-term congestion. Does he agree something more than additional bus services is needed to do that? I realise that in putting this question I may be asking him to sell Dublin Bus short.

On climate change, transport, as we all know, is one of the three major polluting sectors. We can do something with electric cars but how we move forward in more sustainable ways will be a key issue. How are the chairpersons designate engaging with the mitigation measures that have been identified for the transport sector? Do they, for example, have a process for informing the Department what is needed to reach the targets? What involvement do the witnesses have in that particular area of work?

According to the Comptroller and Auditor General, there have been no new service level agreements between the Department and Bus Éireann for the provision of school transport services. As I understand it, the current arrangement has not been updated since 1975 and involves the allocation of a lump sum payment, called the transport management charge or something like that. It seems, moreover, that no notes are taken at the operational meetings between the Department and Bus Éireann to document the issues discussed. How might that issue be addressed?