Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. We are dealing with a real issue here. It is unsatisfactory that disabled persons are not in a position to board a train at a moment's notice. That is a major issue and a matter of concern for many people. In his response, I understand the Minister of State to say that there is no funding available to retrofit the existing rolling stock. However, not every carriage needs an electronic ramp installed. What I am seeking, at a minimum, is that one carriage in every four or five has an accessibility point incorporating the electronic ramp. I would appreciate if the Minister of State would convey that request to the Minster for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

I welcome the developments at Killester station and the fact that Irish Rail is seeking to make progress in consultation with the Central Remedial Clinic. If the service can be rolled out to all DART stations there is no reason a dedicated member of staff cannot be available to assist with the ramp and to make the DART more accessible for those who are disabled rather than discriminating against them.

There is no reason why a dedicated member of staff cannot be available with the ramp to help people and to make the DART more accessible for people who are disabled, rather than discriminating against them. No Member of this House would like to see discrimination continue against people because they use wheelchairs. That is very wrong. I thank the Minister of State and I would like him to raise this issue directly with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar.

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