Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2017
382. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if a transport service can be provided to a person (details supplied) attending a rehabilitative training centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29754/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of transport services is not part of core services within disability services. As a general rule public transport should be used in all circumstances where it is an option. 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. It must be noted that 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.
Funding is not provided for the transportation of young people to and from day services. However when all other options are exhausted and a person cannot avail of a day service because they do not have transport to attend, the service provider is advised to use some of the service money to cover the transport costs – this usually results in the provision of a reduced quantum of service.
Social Care Division have committed in its Operation Plan 2017 to establish a high level cross divisional working group to rationalise the provision of transport and to maximise equitable access and efficiencies and are liaising with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and voluntary providers to progress this issue. The NTA have a total of 17 transport co-ordinating units called Local Link. Local link provides safe secure and reliable public transport services in local and rural areas of Ireland. Local Link provides a combination of scheduled public transport services and door to door services. The services are demand response (e.g. people call Local Link for transport to access a service such as their GP), the NTA have advised that additional funding has been provided for rural transport in 2017.
As the Deputy's question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
