182. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if the new battery operated trains on the northern commuter line will be fully accessible for power assisted wheel chairs and manually operated wheelchairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49008/26]

183. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if the new battery operated trains for the northern commuter line have been tested by wheelchair users; if not, whether there will be an opportunity for wheelchair users to test the accessibility of the trains prior to their deployment into use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49009/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 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 and the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the Oireachtas assigned statutory responsibility to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network and public transport infrastructure. The NTA in turn works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Irish Rail, who have responsibility for day-to-day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.

As queries relating to the accessibility of the new trains on the northern commuter line are a matter for Irish Rail in the first instance, I have referred your questions to the company for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.