Transport for adults with disabilities
Michael Collins asked for better transport services for adults with disabilities to reach schools and services. The Taoiseach said he was not in a position to answer and suggested raising it with the Transport Minister.
With regard to improving the lives of people with disabilities, only a few months ago Ireland signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This was positive news for many of those with disabilities who had poor or no services. Since being elected to the Dáil more than two and a half years ago, I have pleaded with the Taoiseach, his predecessor, Deputy Enda Kenny, and the Minister of State with responsibility for people with disabilities, Deputy Finian McGrath, with regard to transport services for those with disabilities who are aged over 18 to go to their schools and training facilities. While they have a free public transport pass it is of no use to the majority of adults, leading to their parents having to drive them for hours each day to and from their training.
Only last week a newspaper reported on a great young woman from Dunmanway, Sarah Dullea, who overcame the limitations of spina bifida to set up her own freelance business but was told by Bus Éireann that it is unable to collect her at her stop in Dunmanway. Will the Taoiseach promise the people of west Cork that a proper public transport service for all those over 18 will be considered?
