Brendan Smith
Ceist:320 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will extend the free travel scheme to all persons aged 65 and over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6592/96]
Written Answers. - Free Travel Scheme Extension.
The free travel scheme operated by my Department is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years, or over, as well as certain incapacitated people under that age who are in receipt of certain social welfare type payments. In 1994, the scheme was extended to include survivors of pass-holders who are 60-65 years of age. The scheme provides free travel, primarily at off-peak periods, to eligible people on the main public and private transport services. Currently, about 470,000 people qualify for free travel at an estimated annual cost this year of some £32.7 million.
The question of extending the free travel scheme to all people aged 65, or over, would have cost implications which would have to be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of available resources.