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Free Travel Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Ceisteanna (749)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

749. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of free travel applications awaiting processing; the average turnaround time for new applications to the scheme; and the action she will take to address the requirement for new applicants to have a public services card that are unable to apply for the card due to the suspension of appointment services. [22315/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The free travel scheme is available to those who live permanently and legally in the State and are over age 66, or are under age 66 and in receipt of certain qualifying payments.

As at 4 September 2020, there were forty (40) free travel applications waiting to be processed. The current average turnaround time for free travel applications is less than 1 week.

The SAFE registration process, which my Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection uses to authenticate a person's identity, is a face to face process which results in the issuing of a Public Services Card (PSC). For those entitled to Free Travel, their PSC bears a free travel token, which can be used on public transport services.

At the outbreak of COVID-19, my Department temporarily postponed the SAFE registration process to comply with public health guidelines in respect of social distancing. My Department has resumed SAFE registration services in Intreo Centres and Branch Offices countrywide, in accordance with relevant guidelines to ensure the health and safety of customers and staff.

In order to manage social distancing in our offices, access to the SAFE registration online appointment system has been suspended. However, my officials are currently contacting customers who were awarded Free Travel since the Covid 19 pandemic began, who were unable to obtain their Free Travel PSC, inviting them to contact their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office to arrange their SAFE registration.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

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