Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
477. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on her efforts to extend the free travel pass to people with epilepsy who cannot drive due to their condition; when she hopes to bring this into action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54771/23]
View answerThe Free Travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. There are over one million customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2023 is €95 million.
As part of Budget 2024 I was particularly pleased to extend my Department’s Free Travel Pass to support people who are medically certified as unable to drive including those with Epilepsy.
The measure will expand access to the Free Travel scheme to:
• People who have never been able to drive due to a disability.
• Drivers who have a license and have been deemed medically unfit to drive for a period of one year or longer.
There will be no requirement to satisfy a means test or that the person be in receipt of a Social Welfare payment to qualify for the medical free travel pass.
My officials are currently working to implement the reforms, including the drafting of relevant qualifying criteria and development of administrative and IT systems as necessary. The expected implementation date for the measure is July 2024.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
