Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Renua Ireland)
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13. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that the free travel pass is protected in Budget 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33022/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Free Travel Scheme permits customers to travel for free on most CIE public transport services, LUAS and a range of services offered by up to 90 private operators in various parts of the country. Free travel is also available on cross border journeys to and from Northern Ireland. Additionally, customers aged 66 years and over can travel for free on journeys within Northern Ireland. There are currently approximately 836,000 customers with direct eligibility for Free Travel with an annual allocation of €77 million. When companion and spousal passes are taken into account, over 1.3 million people benefit.

It should be noted that the cap on the scheme which was imposed by the previous Government in 2010 was removed in the last year, and I’m glad to say that this has allowed new routes to be admitted to the scheme.

The Government, in its statement of priorities for the period 2014 to 2016, is committed to the full retention of the Free Travel Scheme. This commitment recognises the importance of the pass to pensioners, people with disabilities and carers. Since its introduction in the 1960s, it has been highly valued as it allows beneficiaries to participate and remain active in the community.

I have stated on a number of occasions that I believe that this is a very good scheme which should remain in place, and I am committed to its retention.

The Government will finalise its consideration of the Budget in the coming weeks and the outcome of this process will be announced on Budget Day.