I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 185 together.
It is not possible to quantify the specific number of journeys undertaken annually under the free travel scheme. All transport companies participating in the free travel scheme are paid on the basis of fares foregone and payments are not made on a specific per journey basis. This method of payment to travel operators for participation in the free travel scheme is designed to take account of the guarantee of regular and predictable cash flow and the utilisation of spare capacity in transport infrastructure which might otherwise be underutilised.
My Department currently makes a block payment to the CIÉ Group. The apportionment of that payment between the three constituent companies, Bus Éireann, Bus Átha Cliath and Iarnród Éireann is a matter for determination by CIÉ. A discount of 40% is applied to that payment to reflect fares foregone.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.