John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans for the extension of the free travel pass for pensioners to cover the entire island; the likely cost to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13624/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Special cross-Border arrangements have been in place since 1995 which allow southern and northern free travel pass holders to undertake point to point cross-Border journeys free of charge.

The introduction of free travel on an all-Ireland basis would enhance these existing arrangements by enabling southern pass holders to make free journeys within the North. Similarly, Northern Ireland pass holders would be able to make internal journeys within the South free of charge to them. It is estimated that such a scheme would cost in the region of €2.5 million.

The programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce a system of all-Ireland free travel for pensioners and other eligible social welfare customer categories. However, there are a number of technical and financial issues to be resolved in order to implement an enhanced all-Ireland free travel system. These issues require discussion and agreement between my Department and the Northern Ireland Department with responsibility for transport policy, as well as the relevant northern and southern transport operators.

In September 2004, my predecessor met with the Minister of State at the Department for Regional Development in Northern Ireland to explore the potential for further co-operation between the two Departments on the proposal. They discussed the options and scope for co-funding the scheme and considered other relevant issues. I have followed up on that contact and I am continuing to examine the steps that need to be taken to proceed with the introduction of a scheme of free travel on an all-Ireland basis for pensioners and other eligible people.