Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2004
96 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the implementation of an all-Ireland free travel scheme of pensioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17707/04]
View answerUnder existing arrangements free travel pass holders in Northern Ireland and the Republic can undertake free travel within their own jurisdictions. They can also avail of free cross-border journeys on bus and rail services. As the Deputy will be aware, the programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce a system of all-Ireland free travel for pensioners and other eligible social welfare customer categories. This would enable pass holders to make onward journeys free of charge in the other jurisdiction.
I intend to have this scheme in operation before the end of the Government's term of office. Officials from my Department have held initial discussions on the all-Ireland free travel scheme with their counterparts in the Department for Regional Development for Northern Ireland, in the context of regular liaison between the two organisations in regard to the existing cross-border free travel scheme.
A number of policy and operational issues must resolved in regard to the proposed new scheme, including options for joint funding and the possible use of smart cards My Department will continue to progress these issues with the northern authorities and participating transport operators, with the intention of finalising contracts and funding provisions for the new scheme as soon as possible.
