Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her view that the current scheme of free travel for older persons and those with disabilities both on and off peak times is vital for the social inclusion of these groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36250/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I do appreciate the important role that free travel plays in promoting social inclusion and preventing the isolation of elderly people, carers and the disabled. There are currently 721,000 people in receipt of free travel, not including spouses or companions. It will cost €77 million this year. The 'National Recovery Plan 2011 – 2014' provided that funding for the free travel scheme was to remain at 2010 levels of expenditure for the duration of the plan.

The current free travel scheme operated by my Department provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 90 private transport operators. All of the schemes operated by the Department of Social Protection, including free travel, are being examined in the context of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and the upcoming budget. The outcome of this review will inform the Department's decisions in relation to expenditure on schemes in 2012 and into the future.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the estimated increase in the total number of recipients of social welfare payments next year. [36256/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The number of recipients of social welfare payments is dependent on a number of variables including the range of income support schemes available and the eligibility requirements for such schemes. The estimated number of recipients on social welfare for payments next year is currently being finalised in the context of the forthcoming Budget. I will make the year on year increase/decrease available to the Deputy on Budget day.