Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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94. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that an accessible transport service will continue to be available to persons with mobility impairments in Cork City arising from the expiration of the contract between Cork Accessible Transport Limited and POBAL in June 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19593/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Access to transport services for persons with mobility impairments is primarily as matter for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sports and the Health Services Executive. In a number of instances nationally, my Department, through the Community Services Programme has been able to support the provision of services by community companies. Cork Accessible Transport Limited has provided services to people with mobility impairment for a number of years and has been supported under the Community Services Programme, now funded and operated under the aegis of my Department. I have recently become aware that the company plans to terminate the provision of services in Cork City from the middle of 2013. Should another community based organisation come forward to provide this service, my Department will be happy to work with them and the other agencies mentioned to support the operations.