Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2024
119. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review eligibility for the free travel scheme for people who have a severe illness but who are not in receipt of the relevant qualifying payment; if consideration has been given to allowing discretion in certain cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10905/24]
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.
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 not fit to drive for a period of one year or longer.
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.
Any further expansion of the Free Travel scheme in excess of the measures announced in Budget 2024 would require additional funding for the free travel scheme and would have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary negotiations.
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.
