Vol. 431 No. 2
80 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, under the present rules of the free travel scheme, an old age pensioner who becomes blind after qualifying for the social welfare old age pension cannot qualify for the companion pass which is available to persons aged under 65 in receipt of a social welfare blind person's pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Free Travel Companion Pass, which I introduced in 1990, is aimed primarily at incapacitated people who are unable to travel alone and who would otherwise be unable to benefit under the Free Travel Scheme. It is a special version of the standard travel pass which enables a companion to travel free with the passholder.
Free Travel Companion Passes are available to people in receipt of a Blind Person's Pension from my Department and to certain other people who are currently, or who were previously, in receipt of a Disabled Person's Maintenance Allowance from the Health Board. Companion passes will also be available from next month to people in receipt of Invalidity Pension who are wheelchair-bound.
It is not true to say that pensioners who become blind cannot qualify for the Companion Pass. The position is that persons in receipt of a Blind Person's Pension who reach pension age and qualify for the Old Age (Non-Contributory) Pension retain their Free Travel Companion Pass. Furthermore, pensioners who become blind have the option of applying for the Blind Person's Pension which, if granted, would be paid in lieu of the the old age pension. In addition, they would also qualify for the Companion Pass.
If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, I would be glad to have it examined on receipt of the relevant details.
