Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am a member of the Joint Committee on Disability Matters. We are tasked with overseeing the implementation of the UNCRPD and this issue concerning transport comes up continually. There is a lack of accessible transport, especially in rural areas, and that means people cannot take up employment or educational opportunities. Sometimes it means that people cannot live independently. It is an issue that comes up consistently. Another aspect is that three schemes were operating at one time. The other two schemes were suspended in 2013. It is now 2022 and they have not been replaced, even though it was indicated at the time that alternatives would be devised. The criteria for this scheme are much too stringent.

I am delighted the witnesses are engaging with the national disability inclusion strategy subgroup and that they have been invited to consult in that context. What are the witnesses' feelings in this regard? Do they think progress is being made? I ask that because I think this process is supposed to oversee the three schemes or perhaps to come up with one new scheme that will be a better fit and be better able to support more people. Do the witnesses think progress is being made? Do they know if there is a timescale in this regard? Is there reason to be hopeful?