Ivor Callely
Question:107 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare the measures, if any, he has considered for an extension of the free travel scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4054/96]
Vol. 462 No. 1
107 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare the measures, if any, he has considered for an extension of the free travel scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4054/96]
The free travel scheme operated by my Department is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years, or over, as well as certain incapacitated people under that age who are in receipt of certain social welfare type payments. The scheme provides free travel, primarily at off-peak periods, to eligible people on the main public and private transport services. Currently, about 470,000 people qualify for free travel at an estimated annual cost this year of some £32.7 million.