Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans in view of recent media reports about the possible extension of the free travel scheme to visiting EU nationals over the age of 65 years; if this proposal has been considered by his Department; and when this proposal might be introduced. [14377/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand the Deputy is referring to the Golden Trekker scheme which is the responsibility of the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism.

This new scheme of was introduced following the Tourism Renewal Group recommendations. It involves a new reduced price rail travel scheme aimed at senior citizens visiting Ireland from abroad was announced by the Minister for Finance in Budget 2010. Accordingly, Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, has now developed this free rail travel scheme — the "Golden Trekker" — to boost overseas visitor numbers amongst a strong market segment for Irish tourism. The scheme, which was launched on 16 March, provides for free mainline, commuter and DART rail tickets to all tourists to Ireland aged 66 and over and there is no restriction on nationality or country of residence.

The free travel scheme operated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs is available to all people permanently resident in the State aged 66 years or over, irrespective of nationality or country or origin. The scheme permits free travel on most CIE public transport services, Luas and a range of services offered by a large number of private operators in various parts of the country. The scheme is also available to people under 66 in receipt of certain qualifying payments such as carer's allowance or disability allowance.

While the scheme is free for those who are eligible, all of the transport companies involved, including CIE, are paid for the service by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. In 2009 approximately 680,000 persons were in receipt of free travel passes at a cost of €73.5 million.