Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

59. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to retrofit windows on Iarnród Éireann trains to facilitate greater air ventilation in view of the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions and the fact that many persons are required to use public transport in order to access urgent medical treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9020/21]

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

60. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the recruitment of additional staff on Iarnród Éireann trains to ensure that mandatory face covering rules are being adhered to at all times during the journey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9021/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 60 together.

Continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and public transport has been designated among the essential services that have carried on throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

A number of measures have been introduced across the public transport system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services safely during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social-distancing measures across the network.

The Government is committed to ensuring that essential transport services, and passengers utilising these services, are protected and supported. The National Transport Authority (NTA) continues to be guided by public health advice regarding safety measures across the public transport system and is working closely with transport operators, including Iarnród Éireann, with regard to the implementation of specific measures.

I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.