Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
369. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will advise free travel pass users via social media or online advice platforms that they will not be receiving a notification letter three months prior to the expiration of their free travel pass as no online notification of this exists (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43210/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March 2020, in order to comply with HSE and WHO guidelines in respect of social distancing, my Department temporarily postponed the issuing of letters inviting customers to attend an office of the Department to renew their public services card.
To ensure continuity of access to free travel for customers who could not renew their card, an arrangement was made by my Department with the National Transport Authority whereby all transport operators would allow customers with a free travel card to continue to avail of free travel even if the card had expired.
This interim measure, for the period of the COVID-19 crisis, was publicised on my Department’s page on gov.ie on 9 April 2020 and remains in place. Arrangements have been made to re-publicise this message on gov.ie and to remind free travel customers planning to use Iarnród Éireann Intercity services from 18 December 2020 to 6th January 2021 of the need to pre-book their seats.
In June 2020, my Department introduced the facility to issue a new card, valid for a further three year period, to customers whose cards had expired. Customers can avail of this service by telephoning the free travel or PSC helpdesk areas of my Department where my staff will be happy to assist them.
The restrictions introduced in March this year and the measures taken since have all been implemented to ensure reduced footfall in our offices, to protect the health and wellbeing of our customers and staff.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
