To ask the Minister for Regional Development whether it is compulsory for public transport drivers to undertake Disability Awareness Training in respect of service users who are visually impaired.

Translink has confirmed that it continues to provide disability awareness training, which covers all forms of disability, to its driving staff as part of their induction process. Equality and diversity issues are also routinely covered in training modules to enable bus drivers to attain the Certificate of Professional Competence which is compulsory for all drivers.

All other customer-facing staff such as Conductors, station staff, customer service co-ordinators and Translink Rail Services staff also receive regular training in these areas and all Translink staff are bound by the company’s Dignity at Work and Equal Opportunity policies.

Other transport providers such as the Rural Community Transport Partnerships and Disability Action which are funded by my Department have confirmed that they have provided disability awareness and equality training to all front line staff. Particular issues pertaining to the difficulties experienced by service users with visual impairment are included within this training.