Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
818. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when her Department will process an application for a free travel companion pass (details supplied); if there is currently a backlog in processing free travel applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27843/23]
View answerAn application for a Free Travel Companion Pass was received from the person concerned on the 15th May 2023. The application was referred to the Department's Medical Assessor for assessment.
The person concerned has been approved for a Companion Free Travel pass. A letter issued to the person to inform them of this decision on 3 June 2023. The Companion Pass was requested on 2 June 2023. It normally takes 7-10 working days to be delivered to the customer.
There is no delay in processing new Free Travel applications, or Companion Free Travel applications from customers aged 70 or over. Customers who are qualified for Free Travel and aged under 70 may qualify for a Companion Free Travel Pass if they are medically assessed as unfit to travel alone. As part of this application process, a medical report is completed by the customer’s GP. On receipt of the completed application, the medical report is referred (within 2 working days) to the Department's Medical Assessor. The current processing times for completion of new Companion Free Travel applications for these medical assessments is approximately 9 weeks.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
