John Perry
Question:268 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the plans he has to extend free travel to cover travel within England; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6824/01]
Written Answers. - Free Travel Scheme.
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. It is also available to carers and people with disabilities who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments.
The free travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services in Ireland. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by semi-State companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as services provided by some 80 private transport operators. The scheme also provides for free travel on cross-Border routes between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for passholders of both jurisdictions.
There are no proposals to extend the free travel scheme to cover travel within England.