Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 224: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding benefits (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33026/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Free travel passes are provided for more than 700,000 people at an annual cost of €77 million. Approximately 400,000 people are in receipt of the household benefits package at a cost of almost €370 million in 2011 and 400,000 people are in receipt of the fuel allowance at a cost of almost €265 million in 2011.

I appreciate the important role that these schemes play in promoting social inclusion and preventing isolation of older people and people with disabilities. All of the schemes operated by my Department, including free travel, the household benefits package and the fuel allowance were examined in the context of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and continue to be kept under review given the on-going need for savings. The Review continues to inform me and my colleagues in Government in our decisions on future spending.