Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is an issue for the Minister for Transport. Under the free travel scheme, there is no requirement for, or impediment to, transport operators to provide additional services, such as a seat booking service. Some travel operators have introduced an online booking service for customers who wish to guarantee their seat on a particular service. This is a matter for the transport operator and the Department of Transport.

On my end of things, I was glad that as part of budget 2024, I announced an extension of the free travel pass to support people who are medically certified as unable to drive. That will expand access to the free travel scheme to people who have never been able to drive due to a disability. In particular, many representations have been made to me on behalf of those who have epilepsy, as well as drivers who have had a licence and have been deemed medically unable to drive for a period of one year or longer.

I take Deputy Ó Cuív’s point, but that issue is really within the remit of the Department of Transport.