Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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356. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has actively engaged with individuals and organisations within the disability sector in relation to recent and planned changes to Dublin Bus routes under the BusConnects programme; if the National Transport Authority could engage directly with people with disabilities and representative organisations to better understand the impact of these changes, particularly for those who rely on predictable routes for work and day placements; the steps being taken to ensure accessibility and inclusion are central to transport planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30156/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

From a policy perspective, I wish to advise the Deputy that the Department of An Taoiseach has established a unit within its Department which will focus on disability, reflecting a commitment in the Programme for Government to a step change in supports and services required by disabled people. In my role as Minister for Transport, I will be engaging with that unit with an emphasis on addressing the wider issues such as ensuring that all public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers.

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of integrated, accessible public transport networks and infrastructure. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport more accessible. This means that neither myself nor my Department are typically involved in the scheduling, management or operations of public transport services.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply from the NTA within ten working days.