Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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135. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to respond to a pre-Budget 2025 submission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29177/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for forwarding this submission to my office, which I have read carefully,

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and funding in relation to 'open' public transport. In line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons (UNCRPD), my department and our agencies are progressively making public transport accessible, especially for disabled people, persons with disabilities and older people.

However, 'closed' transport services, for example dedicated disability transport supports, are outside of my 'open' public transport remit.

It is the Health Services Executive (HSE) which has responsibility for the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grants schemes and the Minister for Finance which have responsibility for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, all of which are specifically highlighted in the submission.