Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 232: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if the free travel scheme for persons aged 66 years and over will be restricted on new private bus routes; if the free travel scheme will apply to a new service (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11299/11]

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 233: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that old age pensioners will receive free transport from private bus companies (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11405/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 232 and 233 together.

The free travel scheme permits free travel on most CIE public transport services, Luas and a range of services offered by over 90 private operators in various parts of the country at an annual cost to the exchequer of some €74 million in 2010. The scheme is available to persons aged 66 years or over, to carers and to certain categories of people in receipt of social welfare payments.

As outlined in The National Recovery Plan 2011 – 2014 funding for the free travel scheme is frozen at 2010 levels of expenditure for the duration of the plan. In March 2011, the Department received an application under the free travel scheme for the new route referred to by the Deputies. In the circumstances, the Department is not in a position to consider applications for additional routes to the scheme which would incur increased costs. Free travel customers can avail of alternative free transport services under the scheme to reach Dublin Airport.

The measure has not impacted on existing levels of service available under the free travel scheme. Nor does it impact on the number of customers who can qualify for the scheme or the qualifying conditions.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 234: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the rates of pay for married men and single men; if there is a difference in the rates of pay if they are on community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11603/11]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 274: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the social welfare rates of pay for married men and single men; if there is a difference in the rates of pay; if there is a difference if they are on community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11602/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 274 together.

In general, the rate of social protection payment is not based on marital or civil status. In respect of jobseeker's payments, the amount paid reflects any means assessed, where means are relevant, with appropriate additional payments for a dependant adult and children, as appropriate. The rates paid by FÁS in respect of CE are based on the actual rates of social welfare payments made by my Department prior to commencing employment, with some exceptions. When a person commences CE, their jobseeker's payment ceases and they transfer to the FÁS-funded payment instead. The standard payment on CE is €208 per week and all participants receive this as a minimum payment, regardless of the prior social protection payment. Any person with a social protection payment which was means assessed for an amount below €188 (including provision for adult and child dependants) will receive a minimum of €208 per week (gross) from CE. A person who was assessed to receive an amount in excess of €188 per week by my Department will receive the same rate on CE as their social protection payment, plus the €20 per week CE participation bonus.

Persons in receipt of disability-linked social protection payments retain some or all of their original social protection payment (this can include provision for an adult and child dependants) and additionally receive the CE single adult rate of €208 per week from FÁS.

Lone parents retain most of their original social protection payment (including full child dependant allowances) and additionally receive the CE single adult rate of €208 per week plus an additional €29.80 per week per child.