Transport Support Schemes for People with Disabilities: Motion [Private Members]
Dail Éireann — 2023-05-04
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Neale Richmond (FG), Dublin Rathdown

I can confirm that Enterprise Ireland has already engaged and will continue to engage with the company concerned regarding the proposal that has been submitted.
I understand that the company’s proposal is being reviewed by Enterprise Ireland through the usual due diligence and due process procedures.
I hope the issues raised in it will lead to a situation in Ireland where every person with a disability will be able to access all modes of public transport without having to worry if he or she will be able to get on them. I also hope it will lead to a situation where every person with a disability is supported in having his or her own method of private transport without the cost of adaptions or specialised equipment proving to be a stumbling block. I hope the Government can prioritise actions in this area and leave a legacy of support and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Unfortunately, I have to bring to the Minister's attention that while I have no doubt this is not his fault, the much-needed funding of over €200,000 for Windmill therapeutic training unit, which he sanctioned, and of €140,000 for Cumas New Ross, particularly for transport, has not yet been received. The headline today is that St. Aidan's Day Care Centre in Gorey, a respite centre, is closing because it has not got the staff. We know it has not got the staff because funding is required to increase their salaries to prevent them from being poached by none other than the HSE, leaving section 39 organisations desolate.
On Easter weekend, I had a situation where a young boy was taken into full-time residential care at a cost to the State of €33,000 per month. This is for the want of respite, and here we are. I mentioned three projects in County Wexford. These are section 39 organisations catering for hundreds of people in need of respite and day services. That cost jeopardy is being put on the State, never mind the fact that the people who expect the service cannot rely on it. I ask the Minister to address the issue.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2023-05-04/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:51:51+00:00
Sitting date: 2023-05-04