Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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645. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to implement a programme to assist persons with non-visible disabilities to have greater access to public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37039/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. My Department's high level policy goal for accessible public transport is embodied in the concept of 'Transport Access for All'. This policy is based on the provisions of the Disability Act 2005 and related Government strategies, in particular the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021. I also recently appointed a director with direct personal experience of disability to each of the public transport Boards under my remit, to ensure that the voices of people with a disability are heard at the top of those bodies responsible for the provision of public transport.

Accessibility features, such as wheelchair access and audio/visual aids, are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage. Newer systems such as LUAS are fully accessible. My Department also funds an ongoing programme of accessibility improvement grants to upgrade older existing public transport infrastructure and facilities, and this is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the NTA has responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network. In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for further response to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.