Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the importance of the scheme. I know it myself as I come from a rural constituency. Very specific measures were taken to ensure there would be earlier allocation of tickets. For the first time, the payment closing dates were brought forward.

The family portal to process applications is closed and it will reopen on 30 June 2023, which is imminent. This closure is necessary to ensure Bus Éireann can process applications, arrange transport, assess all applications, etc. Any applications made after 28 April 2023 or any payments made after 9 June 2023 are considered late applications.

Specifically, in terms of the number, Bus Éireann is currently doing a body of work where we have found, for example, some applicants might have applied twice. They might have used two different email addresses. Some might have applied but not followed through. That body of work is ongoing but nearing completion. There is certainly an increase but I will give the Deputy the full extent of it in as short a time as possible. This question of duplicate applications is still being worked through.

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