Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I do not agree with the Deputy's point. The plan for roll-out of accessible buses is in accordance with the commitments given under Transport 21, the national development plan and transport access for all plan. It is on time and living up to those commitments. That document is out for consultation at present and the target date for its finish is 2012. I have no reason to believe that we will not make that deadline. Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and CIE are to be commended on the way in which they are handling transport access for all and my Department's sectoral plan and trying to implement them. I join Deputy Broughan in complimenting them in this regard.

The Bus Éireann city fleet in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford are all low-floor and wheelchair accessible. There was a problem until recently concerning availability of accessible coaches suitable for inter-city and long-distance services. The company had not kept pace with the availability of such buses for urban services so to a certain extent our country cousins were losing out as a result. The reason for that was that coaches were built to allow for underfloor luggage space so that passenger entry was by way of steps and a narrow doorway. That has now been rectified and accessible coaches are being manufactured and becoming available. Since last year all Bus Éireann coaches are accessible just as its buses are.

There is an issue concerning bus stops about which there must be consultation with certain local authorities. Perhaps the Deputy adverted to this matter. Specific provision must be provided at bus stops so that low-floor wheelchair accessible vehicles may use them. There is ongoing dialogue with some local authorities to try to ensure that this is done

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