Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have listened carefully to what Deputy Ó Caoláin has said about these particular seven young people. I accept his point that within the disability community there are young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities who have complex needs. I accept his argument in that regard. However, it must be noted that St. Michael's House received €72.7 million in funding in 2016. Deputy Ó Caoláin suggested that it would cost approximately €65,000 to provide transport for the seven students in question and I will be putting that point to the representatives from St. Michael's House.

I am very familiar with the services provided by St. Michael's House. There are children and adults with complex needs who avail of its services and who have been provided with the type of transport service to which the Deputy refers. Some of those children live in Marino and Deputy Ó Caoláin is talking about a group of families who live in Baldoyle and Bunratty Road in Coolock. The Deputy has asked me to personally intervene on their behalf and I will do so. I will raise the Deputy's concerns with St. Michael's House.

The issue of transport for children and adults with very complex needs must be addressed. While I acknowledge that a high percentage of people with disabilities are capable of independent living and can use public transport to attend their day services, no-one should miss out on day services because of transport issues. I will do my best to intervene because it is imperative that young adults with physical and intellectual disabilities are able to attend the day services to which they are entitled. Their families also deserve support. I ask Deputy Ó Caoláin to afford me the opportunity to look at these seven particular cases.

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