453. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport the actions his Department is taking, including in coordination with the Department of Health, to address the situation whereby some older persons, including those in nursing homes or residential care settings, would prefer to return to their own homes in the evenings but are prevented from doing so due to extremely limited rural transport options; the measures being taken to reduce transport-related barriers that may be contributing to de facto long-term residential care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62007/26]

As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the Oireachtas assigned statutory responsibility to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network and public transport infrastructure. This includes responsibility for securing the provision of 'open' public passenger transport services nationally including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and TFI Local Link services. The provision of 'closed' transport services, for example dedicated health related transport services are outside of the NTA's remit.

In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.