Services for People with Disabilities.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004

Wednesday, 13 October 2004

Questions (174)

Dan Boyle

Question:

175 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the supports which his Department has and can offer to the Cork accessible transport group. [24821/04]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

My Department provides a focal point for disability equality policy and legislation. It does not have responsibility for the delivery or funding of services for people with disabilities which, under the policy of mainstreaming, is the function of the Department/agency that provides the service to other citizens. Consequently, my Department cannot offer supports for the Cork group mentioned in the question.

My Department funds one demonstration transport project for people with disabilities, which is the subject of ongoing evaluation. The present thinking in my Department is that there is a need to position any such service in an appropriate sectoral context so that synergies can be achieved with any other specialist transport provision that may exist, as well as with mainstream passenger transport services.