To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department has assessed the impact of limited public transport options on older people’s ability to access healthcare in (i) rural areas; and (ii) coastal areas.

My Department funds Translink which works to provide public transport services and facilities. This means creating a consistent customer experience for everyone, ensuring accessible public transport for people of all ages and abilities.

Recognising Translink cannot reach all, I also provide funding for community transport which serves both rural and coastal areas, delivering access to transport for those, including older people, who find it difficult to access mainstream public transport. The rural Dial-a-Lift service assists many people in rural and coastal areas to remain connected to their communities and get to the places they need to go including local health care.

My predecessor, Minister O’Dowd MLA met with Executive colleagues to explore if community transport could support other transport activities across government. This work is being taken forward by officials, including those from Health, with the next meeting of the group scheduled to take place in April 2025.