Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to review the basis on which payments are made to public transport providers participating in the free travel scheme; and if consideration will be given to introducing a leap card or similar technology to an enhanced public services card which would more accurately measure usage and journeys taken and consequently maximise the taxpayer investment in this important scheme. [15226/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The public services card which will replace the existing free travel pass will be introduced by the end of this year. This card will incorporate an integrated ticketing chip for services which have been enabled with smart card reading devices. The introduction of this card will provide my Department with more accurate information on transport services where integrated ticketing is supported, starting in the Dublin area. The results of this initial roll-out will inform the future development of this technology on a national level.

The free travel scheme is currently being reviewed by an inter-departmental working group chaired by my Department with officials from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the National Transport Authority.

The purpose of this review is to examine and report on the current operation and future development of the free travel scheme including how the scheme is funded. The work of the group is expected to conclude this year.