To ask the Minister for Regional Development who has responsibility for the payment of transport services which enable people with a range of disabilities, to access rural charitable community day centres.

My Department provides funding from the Rural Transport Fund (RTF) for the Dial A Lift scheme, managed by the Rural Community Transport Partnerships (RCTP’s). Dial A Lift is aimed at reducing social exclusion in rural areas for people with reduced mobility. This service is provided to all members of the scheme including people with disabilities who can avail of transport for various purposes that would include transport to rural charitable community day centres. Decisions on the use of grants are the responsibility of the RCTP’s.

Demand for Dial A Lift services has grown over the last number of years and each Partnership now has to prioritise services to ensure that transport is available to its most vulnerable members.