Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Given that the plan was published in 2006, reviewed in 2008 and remains a plan, it is not acceptable that by the end of the 2015 deadline, less than 60% of the fleet will be accessible. I asked this question of the Minister having become aware that there is no daily bus service from Clonmel designed to accommodate wheelchair users. According to Bus Éireann's own information, its current selection of accessible coaches only have one wheelchair space per bus, which means it cannot be guaranteed that a space will be available. Surely, that is not meeting any obligation or plan. The Minister mentioned Dublin and Cork, but I am talking about the fleet in rural Ireland. Bus Éireann also requests that wheelchair users notify their local bus stations by telephone of an intention to travel 24 hours in advance. If that is not discrimination, I do not know what it is. The Minister can talk about all the equality legislation he wants, but that is blatant discrimination against disabled people and those who have to use wheelchairs. They have to telephone up 24 hours in advance and there will be only one seat available on the bus. It is a lottery system and that is not public transport.

See this speech in context