Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 3

Written Answers - Free Travel Scheme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

139 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the plans, if any, he has to grant free travel to all retired EU citizens visiting Ireland in view of the fact that many retired Irish people living abroad who visit this country are not entitled to free travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27100/98]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr D. Ahern)

The free travel scheme is available to all people living in Ireland aged 66 years or over, irrespective of nationality. It is also available to certain people with disabilities under that age who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. The scheme provides free travel, primarily at off-peak periods, to eligible people on the main public and private transport services.

The objective of the scheme is to assist older people and people with disabilities to remain active in the community. At the end of last September, free travel passes had been issued to over 515,000 people at an estimated annual cost of over £34 million.

The scheme was extended in 1995 to cover cross-Border travel only between Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is available to passholders in Ireland, their spouses or companions in the case of people holding companion passes and to Northern Ireland concession travel passholders.

The free schemes were originally designed to benefit mainly older people in receipt of a social welfare type payment who were living alone and required additional assistance. However, over the years, additional categories of people have been included. It is proposed to undertake a fundamental review of the free schemes, commencing in early 1999, to assess whether the objectives of these schemes are being achieved in the most efficient and effective manner and the Deputy's proposal, which would have cost implications, will be examined as part of this review process.