Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the situation whereby persons in receipt of the carer's allowance who are providing care to a child are eligible for the free travel pass, however, the child is not; if he has evaluated the cost of extending this entitlement to such children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47476/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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For a child requiring full-time care who is under age 16, a domiciliary care allowance of €309.50 per month may be paid to the parent or guardian. This payment is not means tested and is to provide for the additional costs involved in providing care and supervision that is substantially more than that normally needed by a child of the same age. This may include additional travel costs.

A child who is attending school may be eligible for assistance under the Department of Education and Skills school transport scheme. The Health Service Executive (HSE) may also assist with transport costs in certain circumstances.

I have no plans at present to review the qualifying criteria for the free travel scheme.