Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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52. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he was aware of the issues facing many wheelchair users of the Bus Éireann many of whom have to book their place on a bus prior to travel; when this will no longer be the case for wheelchair users; the steps his Department is taking to address the matter; and if there will be a more equal access to public transport for wheelchair users in the future. [30852/25]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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53. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport what the major issues are in relation to wheelchair users having to book online prior to travel; if he is aware that many users in the Meath area must attend either the Mater, Beaumont or St. James’s hospitals (details supplied). [30853/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 53 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

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, for example Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible. This means that neither myself nor my officials are involved in the scheduling, management or operation of services.

In light of the Deputy's queries about wheelchair users and booking online to use Bus Éireann services, I have forwarded your questions to Bus Éireann for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive response within ten working days.