Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is time to improve access to public transport for people with disabilities and to invest in transport infrastructure that considers and supports accessibility, mobility and inclusion for people with disabilities. It is time we focused on their ability rather than the disability and made that possible. It is disappointing that the progress in these areas has been so slow, but at least the Government has recognised the need for change by having a working group examine the issues. Working groups are of no use, however, unless their findings are supported by action which makes the situation better for those in need.

From information contained in a variety of reports, it seems that the current method for administering support to people with disabilities is outdated and needs to be redesigned to make adequate support available. Transport is a vital aspect of quality of life, one reason that people with disabilities need to be supported when it comes to private methods of transport.

Our motion calls on the Government to do a number of things. I do not have time to go into them in detail, but I will highlight the second one. We call on the Government to "introduce a new integrated transport scheme for people with disabilities and their carers that ensures flexible arrangements that meet the needs of the individual and are in compliance with the Equal Status Acts". The key word there is "flexible". Too often, when dealing with State supports, there is an inflexibility in the system and the processes. Inflexible systems often end up with important needs not being met. Constituents contact me with first-hand cases in which their needs are not being met due to bureaucracy or systems which people can find very difficult and stressful to deal with. A flexible system will look at the specific needs of each individual. As we know, there are a wide variety of different disabilities, with different degrees to which they affect people's lives. Therefore, the Government schemes supporting those people should be designed so as to place the individual and his or her specific needs at the centre of the decision-making process.

We are moving into the summer season and the beach-going season. I draw attention to the beach accessibility schemes for people who need a wheelchair. It is great that there are such schemes in place - in fact, there are seven in County Wexford - but it is not enough. It is just a start. I am sure there are people in County Wexford, where there are far more beaches than seven, who would like to avail of such a scheme. The Wexford County Council website shows that the period of availability is only from 1 June until the end of August. That leaves nine months of the year when I can walk on a beach every day but someone in a wheelchair is unable to access or use the same beach.

I note the contents of the transport working group report published in December 2022 as part of the national disability inclusion strategy.

I hope the issues raised in it will lead to a situation in Ireland where every person with a disability will be able to access all modes of public transport without having to worry if he or she will be able to get on them. I also hope it will lead to a situation where every person with a disability is supported in having his or her own method of private transport without the cost of adaptions or specialised equipment proving to be a stumbling block. I hope the Government can prioritise actions in this area and leave a legacy of support and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Unfortunately, I have to bring to the Minister's attention that while I have no doubt this is not his fault, the much-needed funding of over €200,000 for Windmill therapeutic training unit, which he sanctioned, and of €140,000 for Cumas New Ross, particularly for transport, has not yet been received. The headline today is that St. Aidan's Day Care Centre in Gorey, a respite centre, is closing because it has not got the staff. We know it has not got the staff because funding is required to increase their salaries to prevent them from being poached by none other than the HSE, leaving section 39 organisations desolate.

On Easter weekend, I had a situation where a young boy was taken into full-time residential care at a cost to the State of €33,000 per month. This is for the want of respite, and here we are. I mentioned three projects in County Wexford. These are section 39 organisations catering for hundreds of people in need of respite and day services. That cost jeopardy is being put on the State, never mind the fact that the people who expect the service cannot rely on it. I ask the Minister to address the issue.

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