To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he has any plans to provide financial assistance for transport for carers and family members visiting loved ones with life-limiting illnesses in inpatient care.

Free or discounted travel is available through the Concessionary Fares Scheme on Translink services to those in possession of a SmartPass. Financial assistance is also available in the form of the Assisted Rural Travel Scheme. The scheme is available to those members of Rural Community Transport Partnership’s who use the rural Dial-a-Lift service. The Assisted Rural Travel Scheme allows any passenger with a current SmartPass to travel free or half fare on Dial-a-Lift. This may include trips undertaken to visit someone in hospital within the Partnership’s operational area.