Ivor Callely
Question:108 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare the submissions, if any, he has received to extend the Free Travel Scheme; and if he intends to make any alterations to the existing scheme.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Written Answers. - Free Travel Scheme.
Submissions proposing extension of, or improvements to, the Free Travel Scheme are received on a regular basis particularly in the run up to the Budget.
The submissions, in general, put forward proposals designed to improve the position of existing beneficiaries or to extend eligibility for the scheme to new categories of persons. The Free Travel Scheme will cost almost £30 million this year and will benefit some 440,000 persons. Any improvements would have significant financial implications which would have to be considered in the light of available resources.
Improvements to the Free Travel Scheme have been a feature of recent budgets with the introduction of the Companion Pass which enables a person in receipt of a Disabled Person's Maintenance Allowance or a Blind Pension to have a companion travel with them free of charge.
The question of any further improvements in the scheme would have to be considered in the context of the next budget.