Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I understand the frustrations and difficulties of anyone who suffers increased travel costs because of a disability. I understand the situation personally because my father faced this issue in that any time he had an epileptic episode he was off the road for 12 months. Any extensions to the eligibility criteria to the free travel scheme can only be considered while taking account of the objectives of the scheme as well as funding. Any decision that could result in significant extra funding requirements and additional administrative measures for a scheme could only be considered in the wider context of overall budgetary negotiations. I remind Senator McGreehan about the SWA option as well. I will bring the issue to the attention of the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, when I speak to her later this morning.