Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 October 2022
267. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 313 of 27 September 2022, if she will clarify the approach taken as regards access to the free travel pass for persons who are vision-impaired; if she will clarify the approach taken as regards access to the free travel pass for persons who are blind; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49203/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 1,043,000 customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2022 is €95 million.
In 1997, the free travel pass was extended to all registered blind people regardless of whether they qualify for the Department's blind person's pension or any other Social Protection payment. To receive the free travel pass, the person must meet the medical conditions for Blind Pension or alternatively, be registered as blind with the National Council of the Blind Ireland or the League of the Blind of Ireland.
A person who is visually impaired but does not meet the qualifying criteria for blind registration can only receive the pass if they are aged 66 or if they are in receipt of certain primary Social Protection payments such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Carer’s Allowance or Partial Capacity Benefit.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
