Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if and when he will deliver on an all-Ireland free travel pass for pensioners as promised in the Programme for Government. [43257/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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As I have previously advised the House, the proposed all-Ireland free travel scheme will enable pensioners resident here and in Northern Ireland to travel free of charge on all eligible transport services on the island.

Implementation of a single travel pass, acceptable in both jurisdictions, will require the completion of the Integrated Ticketing project being developed under the auspices of the Department of Transport and subsequent integration with the ticketing systems in operation in Northern Ireland. My Department has on-going engagement with these bodies and projects.

Pending development of a single pass, my Department has engaged with the Department of Regional Development and Translink, the main transport authority in Northern Ireland, to put in place an interim scheme to permit residents of both jurisdictions to avail of free travel within the other jurisdiction. This interim scheme will extend the existing cross-border free travel arrangements by allowing pensioners resident here travel free of charge on all bus and rail services in Northern Ireland. Likewise, pensioners in Northern Ireland will travel free of charge on transport services in this State.

Intensive work in relation to the introduction of the scheme has taken place including consultation with the transport operators in both jurisdictions. Work has progressed on the design of the operation of the new scheme including a new registration process, design of a new travel card and application form. The necessary ICT system changes have been identified, the technical elements of the new system have been delivered and a programme of testing and training has commenced. Consultation with staff has commenced on the introduction of this system.

The project is scheduled to be operational at the end of Quarter 1, 2007.