Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

From time to time, EU regulations are observed which are supposed to promote equality of access to transport. One such regulation is EU Regulation 181/2011, which deals with the issue of disability access to public transport, specifically, coaches and buses and so forth. To be frank, if this issue had been dealt with by previous Governments, when new equipment was bought over the past couple of decades, we would have a far more accessible bus network now. I travel on Bus Éireann. There is nothing as bad as seeing a wheelchair-user trying to navigate the steps of a bus in this day and age. Improvements should have been made in the period of the Celtic tiger.

I have raised on numerous occasions in this House the fact that there is no wheelchair lift in Ennis railway station, even though in excess of ¤100 million was spent on building the western rail corridor which is not being used to the degree any of us would like it to be used. I have been looking for a wheelchair lift to be installed in Ennis railway station since this Government took office.

The Minister of State is a very sincere Minister and is one of the more proactive junior Ministers. I know he has made significant headway with initiatives such as the Leap card and the digital signage showing real time traffic information but access for those with a disability needs to be improved. These issues are covered by legislation in the United States, for example, where access is regarded as a right. This attitude has not percolated through to Europe, as yet. I suspect there is an attempt at EU level to try to introduce that type of scenario. Obviously, I am more cognisant than anyone else of the dire economic circumstances in which the country finds itself. I have to say to those with disabilities that just like every other group in society they have to be patient and realistic in what can be achieved. However, where it is possible to spend money, there is an onus of responsibility to ensure it is spent. I ask the Minister of State to consider the provision of certain basic facilities, such as a lift in Ennis railway station. No more than Senator D'Arcy, I thank the Acting Chairman for her indulgence.