asked the Minister for Social Welfare the formula used to assess the money due to (a) CIE and (b) private transport companies, in respect of free transport given to certain categories of social welfare recipients.
513.
Written Answers. - Free Travel Facilities.
512.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total amount paid by his Department each year to (a) CIE and (b) private transport companies, in respect of free transport for certain categories of social welfare recipients.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 512 and 513 together. Payments to CIE and private transport companies in respect of the provision of free travel facilities are calculated by reference to periodic surveys of usage on the respective services. The rates of payment are also adjusted in line with increases in fares and the inclusion of additional categories in the free travel scheme. The amount paid to CIE in 1984 in respect of the provision of free travel facilities was £21,568,000. The corresponding figure for private transport companies was £461,000. It is estimated that £24,033,000 and £551,000 will be paid to CIE and private transport companies respectively in 1985.