Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 March 2007
456 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he plans to extend the free travel scheme for spouses, partners or companions to accompany free travel pass holders in Northern Ireland and throughout Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11297/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe existing cross-border free travel scheme, introduced in July 1995, applies to all free travel pass holders, to enable them make journeys from a point in the Republic to a destination in Northern Ireland. A spouse/partner or companion (in the case of a companion pass holder) may travel with the pass holder for free on point to point cross-border journeys.
I have recently announced the implementation of the all-Ireland free travel scheme commencing from April 2nd. This new scheme will extend the existing cross-border free travel arrangements by allowing pensioners resident here travel free of charge on all bus and rail services in Northern Ireland. Likewise, pensioners in Northern Ireland will travel free of charge on participating transport services in this State.
More than 600,000 customers are in receipt of free travel, of which 430,000 are aged over 66 years. The all-Ireland free travel scheme is based on the existence of criteria of entitlement to free travel North and South for pensioners and applies only in this category.
The extension of the scheme to an all-Ireland free service for pensioners represents a significant expansion in travel opportunities. I will continue to examine any opportunities to further improve and expand on what will, from April 2nd, be a very comprehensive free travel scheme. Any additional developments would have to be agreed and worked out in conjunction with the authorities in Northern Ireland.
