Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Social Protection. When spousal and companion passes are taken into account, there are more than 1.1 million customers with some free travel eligibility and in excess of 745,000 customers with direct eligibility.

Expenditure on the scheme was frozen at 2010 levels by the last Government, leaving a provision for the scheme in 2013 of ¤77 million.

The free travel scheme is currently available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over and to carers and to customers under 66 who are in receipt of certain disability-type payments. Customers can travel for free on most CIE public transport services, Luas and a range of services offered by up to 90 private operators in various parts of the country. Given the challenging budgetary context, however, it is timely to review the current operation, future direction and efficiency of the scheme and to ensure it is consistent with other travel schemes funded by the Exchequer.

In this regard, an interdepartmental committee commenced a review of the scheme last year. One of the aspects being examined is the extent of the service provided, and this will involve an assessment of the need to adjust the service having regard to its coverage to ensure it is consistent with current and anticipated future needs. This committee comprises representatives of the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the National Transport Authority. It is expected to conclude its work by the end of the third quarter of 2013. The report will feed into future policy development and the forthcoming budgetary process.