Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
394. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if free travel is available for a person with a condition (details supplied) who is not on a social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52494/23]
View answerThe Free Travel Scheme allows those eligible to travel, free of charge, on all public transport owned by the State. This includes bus, rail, Local Link and the Luas, with some exceptions. Free travel is also available on some services operated by private bus and ferry transport operators.
To qualify for Free Travel, a person aged under 66 must satisfy the relevant qualifying criteria. From the details supplied, it would appear that the person concerned would not qualify for Free Travel. However, it is open to the person concerned to make an application for Free Travel so that his entitlement can be formally examined. Full details in relation to Free Travel eligibility are available on www.gov.ie/freetravel.
It was announced in Budget 2024 that the Free Travel scheme will be extended to people who are medically certified unfit to drive from July 2024. The policy guidelines in relation to this scheme extension are currently being drafted.
When the policy guidelines are finalised, further details of this scheme extension will be made available well in advance of the implementation date of July 2024.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
