Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
398. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given to extending the free travel scheme to persons with epilepsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58773/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra435. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection if the proposal by an organisation (details supplied) for a free travel scheme for persons with epilepsy; and if further consideration has been given to the roll-out of the scheme. [59323/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 435 together.
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 1,050,000 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. Crucially, as many illnesses or physical conditions have an impact across a spectrum from mild to severe, entitlement to these social welfare schemes is not provided on the basis of a diagnosis but on the basis of the impact of that diagnosis on the individual concerned. In this way, resources can be targeted to people in most need.
Therefore, while a diagnosis of a particular medical condition will be required to establish if a person may be eligible for certain social welfare schemes, evidence of impact is also required before entitlement to the scheme or the related free travel scheme is established. The sole exception to this general approach is in respect of people who are blind.
While consideration is always given to any requests to improve or extend eligibility to the free travel scheme, uncoupling the link between receipt of particular social welfare payments and eligibility for the free travel scheme would so fundamentally alter the scheme that it would move it away from being a social welfare measure to being a general transport initiative.
Any such change would also require potentially very significant additional funding for the free travel scheme and would have to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
I am aware of an ongoing campaign by Epilepsy Ireland and recognise the issues and difficulties that can arise due to a person being diagnosed with epilepsy and who is unable to drive as a result of their condition. I have met with representatives of Epilepsy Ireland to discuss its proposal in detail.
Following the meeting, I asked my Department officials to examine the issues raised by Epilepsy Ireland. Department officials are currently examining the issues raised by Epilepsy Ireland, along with relevant submissions. This work is still ongoing. I am expecting a report from my officials in the next few weeks.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
