Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this very important issue, that is, the need for accessibility ramps to be provided on all DART trains. The current position in respect of wheelchair accessibility on trains is that a portable wheelchair ramp is located at each station. The problem with these ramps is that a member of staff must be present to ensure the ramp is safely deployed. Therefore, the customer is required to provide advance notice of at least 24 hours that he or she intends to travel.

The current policy is completely outdated and action needs to be taken to ensure the DART is more accessible to those customers who have mobility problems. I am concerned that people of reduced mobility have to give 24 hours notice at any time they wish to use the DART. I do not think this is fair and it means many people have to plan their journeys ahead and cannot jump on the DART at a minute's notice if their plans have changed. It is a form of discrimination.

As a developed country it is shocking that this out-dated system is still in use. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, has assured me that Irish Rail is currently investigating the feasibility of retrofitting electronic ramps on the DART fleet. I am aware of the budget constraints in Irish Rail at this time but it is my opinion that there should be at least one wheelchair accessible carriage with an electronic ramp provided on each DART service. The accessible carriage could be located at the back of each train so customers in need know the ramp is available. I am happy that the Minister is aware of the current problems in this area. It is important that Irish Rail examines the matter thoroughly to ascertain what action can be taken to make it easier for people to access existing trains if funding is not available for new trains to be purchased with built-in electronic ramps. The possibility of retrofitting electronic ramps to existing trains needs to be seriously considered and, if feasible, put in place as soon as possible.

I take this opportunity to ask the Minister of State for an update on Irish Rail's efforts to resolve the problem of overcrowded DART trains at peak times. A number of constituents have reported to me that they remain unsatisfied with the service being provided, especially given the increased prices for DART services currently and cuts to carriage size and no improvements made in terms of the frequency of the trains provided. Action needs to be taken in this area. I would appreciate if the Minister of State could give an up-date on developments in this area and also what action Irish Rail is taking to improve communication with its customers in regard to delays. Recently a constituent of mine who was travelling to work experienced a delay due to a signal failure on the southside. The train left Connolly Station and proceeded to the bridge at the back of Store Street where it stood for more than ten minutes. Quite rightly, customers were upset. Such delays cause much unnecessary anxiety, particularly when there is a lack of communication as to what is happening with the train. Perhaps the Minister of State would respond to that issue and provide information as to whether he is in regular contact with Irish Rail on these issues.

I am delighted the Minister has considered the whole issue of reduced fares for off-peak travel times and that he has been in consultation on the issue. I acknowledge that the National Transport Authority is considering the issue currently.

John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for the opportunity to address this issue in the House on behalf of my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, who is abroad on Government business.

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is funding an ongoing programme of accessibility improvement grants to upgrade existing public transport infrastructure and facilities. This includes funding for the upgrading of Iarnród Éireann stations to ensure they are accessible to people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. Funding in the region of €48 million has been provided to the company for this purpose since 2006. This programme is being administered on behalf of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport by the National Transport Authority.

I understand that Iarnród Éireann's current policy is to have a portable wheelchair ramp at all stations and they are also located on board inter city trains. A member of staff is made available to deploy the ramp safely for use once advance notice is provided, which is the point the Deputy raised.

On the matter of electric ramps the company advises that due to the variability of the interfaces between trains and platforms, including curved platforms, and platforms of different heights, the only possible option for electric ramps is for them to be permanently fitted on board trains. In this regard, Iarnród Éireann undertook a feasibility study into the installation of automatic wheelchair ramps. The study concluded that retrofitting the existing fleet is very challenging from a technical viewpoint and would involve considerable structural alteration to the train design. The best approach would be to incorporate ramps into the train at the design stage of new rolling stock. In effect, due to their complexity this would require that they are built into the train when it is first constructed. The company is committed to such a requirement when ordering new rolling stock in the future. Accordingly it has amended the technical specification for future procurement of new trains to include costed options to incorporate an automatic wheelchair ramp. However, there is currently no requirement for additional rolling stock and no funding is available under the current capital plan to purchase new rolling stock.

The question of retrofitting the existing rolling stock to incorporate electric ramps would also require significant funding and there is no funding available at present for this work.

Iarnród Éireann is currently undertaking an audit of all rail stations on behalf of the National Transport Authority which is close to completion and the outcome of this will inform future proposals for improving access at railway stations.

I understand that Iarnród Éireann holds regular meetings with accessibility user groups and has produced an information leaflet to assist those with disabilities using its services.

In addition, Iarnród Éireann is also in discussions with the Central Remedial Clinic regarding the use of Killester station by wheelchair users and has put an agreed protocol in place to assist wheelchair users when travelling on DART services at Killester station. This has ensured that there is generally a member of staff available to assist wheelchair users at Killester station. If a member of staff is not available, Iarnród Éireann is committed to redeploying a staff member to ensure assistance is available at Killester station. It has also invited representatives from the Central Remedial Clinic to future meetings of its accessibility user groups.

The issue raised by the Deputy is dependent on funding availability. Iarnród Éireann is in consultation with its station and is making every effort to engage with the groups who would require a ramp. A huge attempt was made to deal with the issue at Killester station.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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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.

John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy’s point is very valid, and I will raise it with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar. I fully understand the Deputy’s very clear point. Iarnród Éireann does its utmost to facilitate all passengers. On the Sligo line a ramp is available. Many of the station personnel, when they are on the platform, can make this ramp available very quickly on the Sligo-Dublin line. The cost of adjusting the rolling stock would be prohibitive. I believe the Minister is in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, which is co-operating to facilitate this in times of great financial constraint. I will raise the issue with the Minister.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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The problem with Iarnród Éireann is the 24 hours’ notice that the wheelchair user must provide.

John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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That is the maximum requirement but according to my information 24 hours is not an exact stipulation. If somebody arrives at the station an hour or half an hour before his or her departure and makes this known to personnel the ramp will be made available. A lot of common sense is used.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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If it is being used.

John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I am quite certain that 24 hours is the maximum stipulation, but managers have discretion and the person can arrive half an hour before departure.