John Dolan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Each way.

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Deputy Mick Barry:-----to reserve a seat. Did I get that right? It is hard to find a word. That is disgusting. While points have been raised well about Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, I will focus my questions today on Iarnród Éireann. When Iarnród Éireann appears before the joint committee in the new year, it will be important that those points are raised then also.

I was asked to raise the issue of a particular bus stop in Fermoy in County Cork. It was a disability access point for buses. It is not a country area but is in an urban area in a town. The bus stop was taken out in early 2017 and has not been replaced. It could and should be replaced, which is the right thing to do.

The final point I wish to raise is on the private bus companies. Many, but not all, of the issues there are linked to the question of cutbacks. When there are cutbacks, passengers suffer and people with disabilities suffer more than other passengers. The case is well made for the rights of people with disabilities. The case has also been made in passing for opposition to all cutbacks. It strikes me, from my observations, that if there are major issues with Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, there are bigger issues again when it comes to private operators that put the maximisation of profit above all else, including the rights of people with disabilities. I seek comments from the witnesses as to the position with the private operators of those buses and their relative weaknesses and problems as opposed to the public transport service providers.