Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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242. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she has explored the possibility of extending free travel to persons who meet the medical criteria but not the means test for disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30225/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The free travel scheme is currently available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. People who are aged under 66 must be in receipt of a qualifying payment from the Department to qualify for a free travel pass. These payments include carer’s allowance, disability allowance and invalidity pension.

Free travel for those under 66 is generally based on a means tested qualifying payment. This allows the Department to target the scheme at those people who are not in a position to pay for their own public transport. I have no plans to extend the allowance to those aged under 66 not in receipt of a qualifying payment.