283. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the engagement he has had with all public transport bus operators in relation to ensuring that their services are fully accessible for wheelchair users or people with mobility issues. [65182/26]

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

From a policy perspective, I am fully committed to improving accessibility across our public transport system, in line with the Programme for Government and the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030. A key part of this is reducing, and ultimately eliminating, the need for Advance Notice for disabled passengers.

I am pleased to state that clear and tangible progress is being made. For instance, last year, the Independent Travel Support Scheme - managed by Bus Éireann - continued to expand. It now operates in Cork, Drogheda, Dundalk, Galway, Limerick and Waterford - providing 1,684 assists in 2025. The Dublin ITS, managed by Dublin Bus, carried out 1,785 assists last year in the Greater Dublin Area (on bus and rail services).

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 Dublin Bus, who have responsibility for day-to-day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.

As queries relating to the accessibility of their services, are matters for Dublin Bus, Go Ahead and Bus Éireann in the first instance, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the companies for direct reply to him. Please advise my private office if the Deputy does not receive replies within ten working days.