I wish to raise the issue of disability transport services in Dublin and specifically on south Dublin. In rural Ireland there is a Transport for Ireland Local Link, which goes door to door and which is on demand public transport. A person can use his or her free travel pass on it. This is especially important for people with disabilities or with mobility issues. In Dublin, there is no such service. We have a door-to-door disability service on 15 and 20-year-old buses where a person cannot use a free travel pass. It only takes one wheelchair at a time. People need that service for medical appointments, for jobs, and for social life of any kind. In February 2022, the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, said that the service was not adequately funded. In a letter from December 2021, the Taoiseach also addressed the matter. The service desperately needs capital funding, hopefully from Transport for Ireland, for ten new buses to provide any service for transport for people with disabilities and mobility issues in south County Dublin. Will the Taoiseach help me to secure a meeting with Transport for Ireland to try to advance that on behalf of the people of south Dublin?

Does the Deputy mean the National Transport Authority, NTA?

Yes, it could be. If it is capital funding we must go to the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, or wherever the Taoiseach can direct me to help with the request.

I will talk to the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, about this. Generally speaking, we are of the view that we should provide proper transport for people with special needs, including children with special needs and people with disabilities more generally. I will talk to the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to see what is the best model to do that and how best to do it through the NTA.