To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how his Department's budget for 2024-25 will impact funding for community transport agencies.

I recognise and value the contribution of all organisations that provide community transport services, and the impact that they have on some of the most vulnerable groups in society.

I have made the decision to provide funding to community transport for 2024/25 at the total levels awarded for 2023/24. This is subject to the planned Equality Impact Assessment consultation on the budget and so this allocation is indicative at this stage. I do, however, expect to be able to confirm opening budget allocations, once I have taken final decisions following consideration of responses to the Equality Impact Assessment after an initial four-week period.

My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government. The value of our infrastructure cannot be overstated, and I continue to work with Executive colleagues to ensure appropriate investment is made.