Paul Murphy
Question:67. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the free travel scheme to all social welfare recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7897/24]
View answerTuesday, 20 February 2024
Questions (67)
Written answers
The 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. This increases to 1.75 million customers when spouses and companions are included. The estimated expenditure on the Free Travel in 2024 is €104 million.
The objective of the Free Travel scheme is to ensure older people and people with disabilities remain active within their community. Extending the eligibility of the free travel scheme to include all social welfare recipients would change this objective, and radically change the nature of the scheme.
Given the large numbers involved, extending the free travel scheme to all social welfare recipients, would require significant additional funding. The extension of the Free Travel scheme to all recipients of a social welfare payment would have to be considered in the context of the Budget, having regard to other competing demands for scarce resources.
As part of Budget 2024, I was particularly pleased to announce the expansion of my Department’s Free Travel Pass to support people who are medically certified as unable to drive.
There will be no requirement that a person must be in receipt of a Social Welfare payment in order to qualify for a free travel pass on these medical grounds, provided the other qualifying criteria are met. The implementation date for the measure is July 2024.
It is important to note that my Department can provide support by way of an Additional Needs Payment toward the cost of essential travel. This support is for people who cannot meet this cost from their own resources and is available through our Community Welfare Officers.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.