Olwyn Enright
Ceist:44 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will consider further liberalisation of the free travel scheme entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8425/03]
Vol. 563 No. 6
44 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will consider further liberalisation of the free travel scheme entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8425/03]
47 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will consider allowing companion travel pass holders to use their pass when the principal travel pass holder is hospitalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8426/03]
95 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her proposals to extend the free schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8583/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 47 and 95 together.
The free travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by semi-State companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as services provided by over 80 private transport operators. The vast majority of these private contractors operate in rural areas. The underlying feature of the scheme is the use of spare capacity on these transport services.
I am always willing to consider applications from licensed private transport operators who may wish to participate in the free travel scheme. My Department pays transport providers to operate the free travel scheme. However, it is not in a position to provide transport services where none exist. Research has shown that those who are most marginalised by lack of access to transport in rural areas include the elderly and the mobility impaired. It has also shown that the provision of accessible, affordable and acceptable local transport can make a very important improvement in the quality of life for these people.