Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 February 2024
77. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost to the Exchequer annually to provide free travel for people with epilepsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9403/24]
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. This increases to 1.75million customers when spouses and companions are included. The estimated expenditure on the Free Travel in 2024 is €104 million.
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 not fit to drive, including those with epilepsy.
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.
Providing an estimate of the cost of extending the free travel scheme to those with epilepsy is not possible as the cost is determined by the usage of the extra passes provided and not by the increased number.
Usage amongst this cohort of people would be expected to be greater than amongst the existing cohort of people eligible for free travel and it is not possible to project the distribution of usage across the range of transport providers in the free travel scheme.
It is important to note that my Department can also 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.
