Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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331. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will rule out any introduction of a fee for the free travel pass (details supplied); if he will ease concerns regarding this charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4010/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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There are no plans to introduce a surcharge on the free travel pass and I am fully committed to its retention as a service provided without charge to passholders.

The free travel scheme provides free travel for those with eligibility on the main public and private transport services which includes road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. There are currently approximately 873,000 customers with direct eligibility with an annual allocation of €80 million.

I am aware that the free travel pass is a valuable support for older people and people with disabilities, and that it has a significant role in promoting social inclusion and preventing their isolation.

In order to maintain service at existing levels funding to the free travel scheme was increased by €3 million in budget 2016.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.