Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
930. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the proposals that have been raised by an organisation (details supplied) with respect to making free travel passes available to persons diagnosed with epilepsy who are temporarily unable to drive due to their illness; the steps that have been taken since she met with the organisation in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2180/23]
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 1,054,000 customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2023 is €95 million.
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.
Following the meeting with representatives of Epilepsy Ireland to discuss its proposal in detail, I asked my Department officials to examine the issues raised by Epilepsy Ireland.
Department officials are currently finalising the report examining the issues raised by Epilepsy Ireland, along with relevant submissions and I am expecting this report very soon.
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.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
