Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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730. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the responsibility that his Department and-or the operators of direct provision centres have in respect of providing transport in circumstances in which no public service operates for residents of these centres specifically in relation to their heath and education needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26924/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The provision of transport services for residents at each accommodation centre is determined by the location of that centre and the particular needs of the residents including school going children and other exceptional requirements. For example, contracts for accommodation centres located outside of urban areas include a specific provision that transport to and from that urban area must be provided as part of that contract to cater for the reasonable needs of residents. School going children are provided with transport services operated by Bus Éireann on behalf the Department of Education & Skills on exactly the same basis as the other school going children. Residents who are required to travel for appointments in relation to their application for international protection or for medical services may apply to the CWO for an Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) on production of proof of appointment. In exceptional cases, transport may be provided by the accommodation manager to meet emergency needs on an individual case-by-case basis.