Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 22:

In page 3, before section 2, to insert the following new section:

"2.—The Minister shall, within 3 months of the commencement of this Act, lay before each House of the Oireachtas, a report on the implications of extending the free travel scheme to include other services providers and improving free travel benefits for people in rural areas.".

Everyone aged 66 years and over, living permanently in Ireland, is entitled to free travel. Certain people under that age are also entitled to free travel. It is available on all State and public transport and a limited number of services operated by private bus transport companies.

In many rural areas, however, the elderly are dependent on public transport but often these services are infrequent, restricting people from moving about easily. Will the Minister extend the free travel scheme to include other service providers and that public transport in rural areas is a more reliable and efficient? The rural transport initiative operates successfully in County Westmeath but it does not scratch the surface in providing a proper service for the needs of the elderly.