To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is taking to ensure service users of day centres are able to avail of the spaces available to them, in particular in relation to any transport issues.

My officials have liaised with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust regarding the transport issues impacting Day Centre provision. The Belfast Trust advise that they are working to address the issue of driver shortages. The Belfast Trust report that the Transport Management Team in conjunction with the Trust’s Day Care Management Team assess driver availability on a daily basis and reorganise and prioritise the service needs.

Contingency arrangements also continue with the use of taxis as and where appropriate. However, I understand that these contingency arrangements are not suitable for everyone.

To address the shortage of drivers, the Regional Transport Managers Forum meets on a regular basis throughout the year to agree how best to address driver shortages and vacant posts have been continually advertised across all HSCTs via BSO.

HSCTs have also initiated driver development programs which are designed to upskill existing Trust staff and to pay for them to undertake their Full category D driving test. Drivers are required to undergo Continual Professional Competency (CPC) training to maintain their ability to carry passengers, HSCTs arrange and pay for this training. In addition, the Belfast Trust reports that it is in early engagement with Belfast City Council on a structured recruitment and training programme for drivers, to address the shortage.