Disability Services

Tuesday, 1 April 2025

Questions (637)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

637. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the challenges faced by persons with debilitating conditions who are wheelchair users and who are reliant on public transport to get to appointments; if she understands that the volunteer driver scheme operated by Fingal County Council does not cater for electric wheelchair users; if she is further aware that a service run by an organisation (details supplied) does not cover all of County Dublin; that people cannot fund transport from their disability payments and, as a result, are at risk of missing appointments; how a named person can manage to attend their appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15125/25]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Whilst HSE specialist disability services funding does not extend to transport costs, some transport supports are provided by the HSE or funded agencies on a discretionary basis and where resources permit. That said, my Department is working to finalise a new National Disability Strategy which will set out a whole-of-government approach to improving the lives of disabled people in Ireland, including a specific focus on enhancing transport and mobility options.

The Deputy will appreciate that schemes run by Fingal County Council are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.