Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:279 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the total number of persons eligible for free travel; if she is in a position to extend the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24570/03]
Written Answers. - Free Travel Scheme.
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over, to all carers in receipt of carer's allowance and to carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance. It is also available to certain people with disabilities and people who are in receipt of certain welfare-type payments. Children who are registered as blind or visually impaired with either the National Council for the Blind of Ireland or the National League of the Blind of Ireland are also entitled to free travel.
According to the 2002 census figures, a total of 407,449 people aged 66 years and over are resident in the State. All of this cohort are eligible for free travel. The precise numbers of carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 years that might be eligible for free travel is not available. However, it is estimated that it could be in the region of 128,000 people. By the end of 2002, almost 636,000 free travel passes had been issued and expenditure on the scheme was over €45.5 million in 2002. Any further extension to the free travel scheme could only be considered in a budgetary context.