To ask the Minister for Regional Development what communication his Department has had with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to ensure that the provision of services for people with visual impairments are protected.

My Department has not had any engagement with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) dealing specifically with transport services for people with a visual impairment. I have, however, written to Executive colleagues asking them to outline their responsibilities in relation to transport and transport funding with a view to identifying those Government Departments that should sit on an inter-departmental steering group to shape the public consultation document for a new Accessible Transport Strategy. DHSSPS has indicated that it wants to participate in this steering group. The proposed Accessible Transport Strategy will take account of transport issues that impact on a range of users, including older people and people with disabilities. This will include people with visual impairments. I am also pleased to confirm that my Department, in conjunction with Translink and Guide Dogs, is currently planning the initial phase of the implementation of Audio Visual systems on the Metro bus network, including on all buses and at key bus stops. This project will commence in early 2015.