Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for selecting this matter and welcome the Minister of State to the House to address this straightforward issue. The disability pass is a good thing. It has been modified over the years to help people with a disability to use public transport. With the new modes of transport, there is now a connection between Luas, Dublin Bus and other forms of public transport. It gives those with a mild form of disability independence and flexibility.

A specific concern of a person from my area has been brought to my attention. A 17 year old youth with a mild disability must use public transport on a daily basis to carry him from his home to his school, where he will shortly sit the leaving certificate. He is regularly informed, however, by Dublin Bus personnel that he should not access the service during peak times, between 7 a.m. and 9.45 a.m., the very times children travel to school. He wants to go to college next year and wants to use public transport to get there. Will he have to deal with the same problems going to college?

I have raised this with Dublin Bus and was told the Department of Social and Family Affairs runs the scheme. Why is it a condition that someone with a disability who must use public transport cannot use it on the basis that it is peak time? He may have the wrong end of the stick and Dublin Bus may have given me inaccurate information but I would like the Department of Social and Family Affairs to outline the exact position. If that is the exact position, it must be changed as soon as possible.

The disability pass is of great benefit to those with a disability who can access public transport, allowing them to involve themselves in all aspects of life. An urgent statement would help to bring clarity to the issue once and for all, not just for those with a disability but for public transport companies such as Dublin Bus.