Vol. 477 No. 6
32 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare the issues, if any, which he has considered in respect of extending the hours of the free travel scheme; the issues and related matters which have been presented to him on this matter; the discussions, if any, he has had with interested parties on the extension of the free travel scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9866/97]
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 £32.6 million.
Time restrictions have been a feature of the free travel scheme since its inception. They apply generally from 7.00 a.m. to 9.45 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Monday to Friday inclusive and on Bus Éireann long distance buses from 4.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. on Fridays from up to 20 miles out from Dublin, Cork or Limerick. They do not, however, apply in the case of mentally-handicapped people, people attending long-term rehabilitation courses and certain other disabled or blind people.
As I have indicated to the House on many occasions, the central issue in regard to time restrictions relates to capacity constraints. The time restrictions I have described have been put in place on city and provincial bus routes because the transport companies concerned are under severe pressure from commuters travelling to or from work or school in the morning and evening.
