Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2013
120. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the concern amongst persons with a disability in Cork who have been dependent on Cork Accessible Transport Limited for transport services which were co-funded by her Department and Pobal and if she will ensure that an appropriate service is retained for these persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21694/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccess to transport services for persons with mobility impairments is primarily as matter for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sports and the Health Services Executive. In a number of instances nationally, my Department, through the community services programme has been able to support the provision of services by community companies. Cork Accessible Transport Limited has provided services to people with mobility impairment for a number of years and has been supported under the community services programme, now funded and operated under the aegis of my Department. My Department has recently been informed that the company plans to terminate the provision of services in Cork City from the middle of 2013 due to its board’s concerns around the continued viability of the service and other operational challenges. The Department is prepared to consider proposals from an alternative community based provider to deliver this service. As with all such proposals, questions of capacity to deliver, eligibility, financial viability, and a range of other factors, including compliance with the evolving regulatory requirements, will need to be determined before any new service provider could receive funding support from the community services programme.
