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Free Travel Scheme Review

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 May 2014

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

Ceisteanna (346)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

346. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will make an exemption to the cap on the payment of the free travel scheme to bus companies operating new routes and, in particular, the bus route from Buncrana to Derry by a new bus operator, following the closure of the Lough Swilly bus company, in order that pensioners and those qualifying for the free travel scheme do not have to pay on this route; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22293/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The current 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 companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by almost 90 private transport operators. There are currently over 780,000 people in receipt of free travel.

Funding for the free travel scheme was capped by the previous Government as outlined in the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014. To implement this funding cap during a time in which passenger numbers have been increasing each year the Department has had to impose a freeze on the amounts paid to companies and a complete restriction on the admittance of new companies or routes to the scheme. This has included new companies taking over previously extant routes.

Given the increasing number of recipients and the funding pressures, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and I established a working group with representatives from the two Departments, as well as the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the National Transport Authority to review the free travel scheme. The purpose of this review is to examine and report on the current operation and future development of the free travel scheme.

I appreciate the importance of the scheme to customers, particularly pensioners. I am aware of the closure of Lough Swilly Bus Company and the implications for travel pass holders in that area. My officials have had discussions with the National Transport Authority on this and other matters of concern to the scheme in the context of the review of the scheme. The work of this group is expected to conclude shortly.

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