Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2023
414. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review a decision to remove a free travel pass from a wheelchair user who requires a personal assistant (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3339/23]
View answerThe Free Travel scheme is available to all people aged over 66 living permanently in the State and people under age 66 on certain qualifying social welfare payments who reside permanently in the State. The scheme allows recipients to travel free of charge on most CIE public transport services, LUAS and Local Link, as well as on transport services provided by some 73 private operators countrywide.
The eligibility of the person concerned was linked to their previous entitlement to Disability Allowance, which is a qualifying payment for Free Travel. Their entitlement to Disability Allowance ceased in November 2017, when they returned to employment. Under the Make Work Pay initiative, a person who was in receipt of Disability Allowance may have their entitlement to Free Travel extended for a period of five years after taking up employment. In the case of the person concerned, the five year extension period has expired, resulting in the consequential cessation of their Free Travel entitlement.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
