To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for her assessment of the sustainability of community transport services in Northern Ireland; and (ii) whether she will consider establishing a multi-year funding model for Rural Community Transport Partnerships.

Services provided by community transport provide a lifeline for individuals and communities, connecting people to essential services that underpin their health, well-being, and independence across both our rural and urban communities. I recognise the important role they play for those who have limited transport opportunities and the value that users, their families and their wider support networks attach to these services.

I recently launched my Department’s Draft 2025-26 Budget Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) consultation. I have not taken any final decisions on how the draft budget will be spent. I am not yet in a position to establish a multi-year funding model in respect of community transport schemes.