Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2018
304. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the provision of transport services for persons with special needs to day care centres in counties Carlow and Kilkenny is adequate for the families concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22364/18]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The provision of transport to adults with a disability attending HSE-funded day services is not a core health service, and the HSE endeavours to ensure that all service users access public transport, including rural transport services, if possible. This is in keeping with the principle of mainstreaming with a clear focus on ensuring persons with a disability have access to the normal range of services and participate in community life as far as possible. In general, day service users are in receipt of disability allowance and are automatically entitled to the Free Travel Pass, so there should be no additional cost burden at an individual level.
When a person cannot avail of a day service because they do not have transport to attend, some transport is provided by disability service providers on a case by case basis. As the question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
