Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 June 2012
283 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown of the number of persons over 65 years and under 65 years currently availing of the free travel scheme; the cost to the State in 2011, and to date in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30515/12]
View answerThere are currently 737,249 customers in receipt of free travel passes.
The free travel scheme permits free travel on most CIE public transport services, Luas and a range of services offered by over 90 private operators in various parts of the country.
The breakdown by age as requested is as follows:
|
Breakdown by Age |
No. of Free Travel Passholders |
|
Under 65 |
192,347 |
|
Over 65 |
544,902 |
|
Total |
737,249 |
The total paid to operators in 2011 was €75.6 million.
The total paid to operators from January 2012 to the end of May 2012 date is €31.6 million.
