Vol. 411 No. 5
98 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will extend the hours during which the pensioners free travel pass can be used from 9.45 a.m. back to 9.30 a.m. as this would facilitate many pensioners who are required to attend hospital appointments at 10 a.m.; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Time restrictions have been a feature of the free travel scheme since its inception and apply generally between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9.45 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. Monday to Friday inclusive. These restrictions were imposed because the services concerned are under severe pressure from work or muters travelling to or from work or school at that time of the morning and evening and they would be unable to cope with the additional volume of passengers arising if the restrictions did not apply. However, the restrictions do not apply in the case of mentally-handicapped persons, persons attending long term rehabilitation courses or certain other disabled or blind persons.
Any easing of the current time restrictions would have significant cost implications for the two national carriers involved who, in turn, would be seeking compensation from my Department. Expenditure on the free travel scheme this year will be of the order of £28 million.
With regard to pensioners attending hospital, the position is that for some time past hospital authorities have agreed, in the context of improved outpatient arrangements, to schedule appointments so as to facilitate people availing of the free travel scheme. Any particular problems arising in individual cases should be taken up with the relevant hospital authorities.
