Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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636. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if any persons with a disability have been appointed to the board of any transportation companies or organisations that provide public transportation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44093/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The application process for membership of State Boards operated by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) does not identify or require disclosure of a disability.  The Department therefore does not hold the information requested by the Deputy.

​ The Department of Transport Tourism and Sport is however advancing accessibility improvements to public transport services in the context of Transport Access for All, the Transport Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005. The Plan is premised on the principle that through accessibility improvements to the public transport system for people with disabilities, access for all people will be improved.  To date, there has been a significant increase in the numbers of accessible vehicles together with improved access to much of the public transport infrastructure. Even so, much remains to be done and work in that regard is on-going. The Department's Accessibility Consultative Committee, which includes representatives of people with disabilities, has a key role in monitoring implementation of the Plan. In addition, each of the main public transport companies has a Disability Users Group to advise on accessibility matters at a company level.