John Dolan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman. I will not delay the committee. I am also under pressure to be out of here.

My overriding interest in the Oireachtas is with regard to accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities in all domains. The witnesses have a stake in providing public transport and supporting public transport. There is a public sector duty as the Government is about to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Transport and access are key areas in this regard.

My first query relates to accessible bus stops. TII has responsibility for the national road network. If the bus stop is not accessible, then the bus service is not accessible. If the bus is not accessible but the bus stop is, then we do not have an accessible service. The issue was raised by Mr. Ray Hernan at the committee last week with regard to bus stops also needing to be accessible.

My second and allied point is about the service stops located throughout the road network and the importance of having changing places and enhanced changing toilet facilities for people who have disabilities. I have no doubt that this is an absolute necessity at different points of the national network, at each end and throughout it, for people's comfort and safety.

These are my two questions on which I am looking for reassurances that those aspects are being dealt with and that we will have updates as to when the network will be accessible with regard to these issues.