172 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the progress, if any, made on accessibility in the public transport system for people with a disability; the plans, if any, she has for improvements in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8537/00]

It is my policy that all transport operators, and in particular State transport companies, should provide the highest possible degree of accessibility within the overall resources available to them.

As already announced in the National Development Plan 2000-2006 all new and upgraded rail and bus stations financed under the plan will be accessible to mobility impaired and disabled people, all light rail vehicles and suburban railcars financed under the plan will also be accessible to mobility impaired and disabled people, and all buses purchased by CIE from 2000 for use on urban services will be low floor.