Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. The free travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. There are over 1 million customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel for 2024 is €103.5 million.

As part of budget 2024, I was particularly pleased to extend access to free travel to people who are medically certified as unfit to drive, including those with epilepsy. From July 2024, the measure will extend access to the free travel scheme to people who have never been medically fit to drive due to a disability and to drivers who have a licence and have been deemed medically unfit to drive for a period of one year or longer. There will be no requirement to satisfy a means test or that the person be in receipt of a social protection payment to qualify for the medical free travel pass.

My officials are currently working to implement the new scheme extension, including the drafting of relevant qualifying criteria, development of administrative and IT systems and the development of an application process. Applications will open in May. Application forms will be available to download from the Gov.ie website, from any Intreo centre or by contacting the free travel section by telephone at 0818 200 400 or by email freetravelqueries@welfare.ie. Applications will then be processed and customers will be notified of the decision. I encourage those wishing to avail of this extension to the free travel scheme to apply early.

My Department will undertake an information campaign to ensure eligible customers are aware of the reforms and also provide details of the application process. I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.