Marian Harkin
Ceist:1075. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will give consideration to an issue (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42319/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 September 2022
Ceisteanna (1075)
Freagraí scríofa
The 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 over 80 private transport operators. There are approximately 1,034,000 customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2022 is €95 million.
It is important to note that, in general, access to a free travel pass for those aged under 66 is linked to a person being in receipt of certain primary Social Protection payments such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Blind Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit. A free travel pass cannot be issued on a temporary or discretionary basis.
While consideration is given to any requests to extend eligibility to the free travel scheme, any decision to enable the award of a free travel pass on a discretionary or temporary basis would fundamentally alter the nature of the scheme. Any such change would also require potentially very significant additional funding for the free travel scheme and would have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary negotiations.
Finally, the Department of Social Protection provides Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who have an urgent need, which they cannot meet from their own resources. These payments are available through our Community Welfare Officers and may include help towards recurring travel costs that cannot be met from the person's own resources and are deemed to be necessary. Every decision is based on consideration of the circumstances of the case, taking account of the nature and extent of the need and of the resources of the person concerned.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.