andMr. Conlan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will amend the regulations regarding free transport for handicapped children to enable a parent or guardian to travel free with them when necessary.
Written Answers. - Free Travel Scheme.
127.
The free travel scheme applies to all persons aged 66 and over, blind persons aged 18 and over and to persons receiving social welfare type payments as permanently incapacitated persons. There is no provision in the scheme whereby a person other than a spouse may travel free when accompanying the pass holder. Extension of the scheme to provide free travel for persons who are not spouses of pass holders would have considerable administrative and financial implications which require detailed examination. This is being done at present but it is not yet possible to say what the outcome will be.