Tynwald extends ProTours contract

Travel arrangements for people with learning disabilities will remain as they are until the end of March.

Presently the contract to take people to and from day care centres is held by Douglas firm ProTours, but it expires at the end of this month.

In November it was revealed the Department of Health and Social Security had decided to look at other ways to move people around and save money.

This provoked anger from some service users, and the issue was raised as a matter of urgency in Tynwald yesterday by East Douglas MHK Brenda Cannell.

She wanted arrangements to stay as they were until the end of July, so the costs could be fully investigated, and a statement about proposed changes made to Tynwald members.

But in an amendment, supported by the Court, Health Minister Eddie Teare brought forward that date to March 31.

During the four-hour debate several members expressed concern about the impact changes would have on service users, while others questioned the mistrust of the minister and why his previous occupation as a bank manager was held against him.

Afterwards Mr Teare (pictured) said the continuation of the service in some form had never been in doubt, although he admitted his department could have handled things better (audio file attached):

Brenda Cannell says she is relieved to see the Transport Service extended for another two months.