Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this topical issue. Although I do not have the information on the European decision that he has outlined, I would like to put this matter in context. The free travel scheme is currently available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over, to carers and to customers under 66 who are in receipt of certain disability-type payments. The scheme permits customers to travel free on most CIE public transport services, LUAS and a range of services offered by approximately 80 private operators in various parts of the country. Customers of the scheme over 66 who are married, cohabiting or in a civil partnership receive a pass that allows their partners to travel with them for free. Certain customers can get a companion pass which allows any person over the age of 16 to accompany them for free.

Free travel is also available on cross-Border journeys to and from Northern Ireland. The all-Ireland free travel scheme allows a free travel pass holder, aged 66 and older, to travel free of charge on all bus and rail services within Northern Ireland using a Senior SmartPass card. Similarly, Northern Ireland Senior SmartPass card holders are entitled to travel for free in the Republic using their existing cards.

In 2001 there were 608,000 customers in receipt of the scheme, while today there are more than 800,000. This represents an increase of more than 30%. In 2001, the scheme cost approximately €46 million per year. In 2014, it will cost €77 million, which is an increase of 65%.

As the Deputy will be aware, funding for the free travel scheme was capped by the previous Government in the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014. To implement this cap on funding during a time in which passenger numbers have been increasing each year, the Department has had to impose a freeze on the amounts paid to companies and a complete restriction on the admittance of new companies or routes to the scheme. This has included new companies taking over routes from other companies.

The Government made clear in its Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 that it is committed to full retention of the free travel scheme. The Government appreciates the importance of the scheme to customers, particularly pensioners, and is very much aware of the implications for travel pass holders in those areas where services have been withdrawn. Officials in the Department have been asked to examine ways in which companies could be admitted to the free travel scheme - initially where they are taking over routes for which free travel funding was previously available, including in Donegal - with a view to free travel services recommencing as soon as possible. I understand that free travel has been available on the particular route mentioned by the Deputy since 17 November 2014. I hope that will resolve the issue.

I will try to obtain the information sought by the Deputy concerning the European ruling. I have not had a briefing on it, but as soon as I get that information I will send it on to the Deputy.

See this speech in context