Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 602: To ask the Minister for Health his plans to put in place a scheme to help disabled persons who have to avail of specialised taxi or hackney services for their transport. [15304/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Government policy, through the National Disability Strategy, aims to improve access to mainstream public services, including transport, for people with a disability. The Strategy is a programme of action to support and reinforce equal participation in society by people with a disability. This equal participation will be brought about by integration in the mainstream wherever possible, and minimum segregation. The successful achievement of mainstreaming will be when people with a disability are supported to access all the services and supports available to their peers.

There are a number of public service supports in place for people with a disability in respect of their transport and mobility needs, including

tax concessions

the Mobility Allowance and the Motorised Transport Grant

free public transport for people with disabilities and a companion through the Department of Social Protection

improved accessibility of public transport

Rural Transport Programme and

transport provided by specialist disability service providers and charities.