AQW 49273/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 22/06/2026
Answered On Date: 07/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any engagement her Department has had with Translink on making public transport accessible for those fleeing domestic abuse, over the last five years.

Answer:

The Domestic Abuse Free Travel Scheme is delivered through a collaborative approach involving my department, the Department of Justice, Translink and key partner organisations including Women’s Aid and the Housing Executive.

Over the past five years, my department has worked with Translink and partners to support the operation and ongoing development of the scheme, which is designed to provide safe and accessible travel for individuals fleeing domestic abuse.

Operational delivery is managed by Translink, working closely with authorised referral bodies. Travel is facilitated through a warrant-based system, with requests made via Translink’s Contact Centre and tickets issued locally to support immediate travel needs. Appropriate governance and financial controls are in place, including reconciliation of journeys and billing arrangements.

My department continues to support Translink in its engagement with delivery partners, including Women’s Aid, to keep the scheme under review and to improve ease of access for those who need to use it.