Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2004
114 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will extend the free travel scheme to persons in receipt of an Irish pension but who live in the UK on a permanent basis to allow them free travel whilst holidaying at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28201/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe free travel scheme is available to all people aged 66 years or over who are permanently residing in the State. It is also available to carers and to people with disabilities who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments. It applies to travel within the State and cross-Border journeys between here and Northern Ireland.
The primary objective of the free travel scheme is to encourage older people and people with disabilities to remain independent and active within the community, thereby reducing the need for institutional care. Extending the scheme to visitors would not be in keeping with the objective of the free travel scheme. Any extensions to the free travel scheme could only be considered in a budgetary context and taking account of the objectives of the scheme and the needs of those not covered by the existing arrangements.
