Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

199. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the tendering of provision for services in the community-based transport sector, in view of funding supplied by her Department in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31142/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Rural Transport Programmeprovides services to people whose travel needs are not met by existing bus or train services. The Programme aims to enhance and sustain nationwide accessibility, through community based participation, particularly for those at risk of social exclusion. The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has funded the Rural Transport Programme and its predecessor the Rural Transport Initiative since 2001. Responsibility for management of this programme transferred from that Department to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in April 2012. That NTA operates under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport.

This Department provides annual funding contribution of €1.5 million towards the Rural Transport Programme (RTP). However, any issues in relation to the operation of the scheme should be referred to the National Transport Authority or its parent department, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.