asked the Minister for Defence if he will take steps to permit old IRA pensioners at all times and members of the FCA on the way to or from training, to travel on public transport free of charge; and the estimated cost of such a facility.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Transport for IRA Pensioners and FCA.
93.
Former members of the Old IRA who are in receipt of pensions or special allowances from my Department and who qualify for contributory or noncontributory old age pensions, or blind pensions, are entitled to free travel on public transport under the scheme administered by the Department of Social Welfare.
Defence Force Regulations provide for the issue of free travelling warrants to members of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil for the purpose of attending and returning from a course of training or instruction, an overnight camp, field day, test mobilisation or other official duty excluding Church, funeral, ceremonial or training parades.
It is not proposed to extend the existing free travel facilities as requested by the Deputy and it is not feasible to ascertain the estimated cost of doing so.