Written answers

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Free Travel Scheme Eligibility

Photo of Carol NolanCarol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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1165. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider changing the eligibility criteria for access to the free travel scheme to include those with a long-term eye condition which renders their level of vision insufficient to meet criteria for a driver licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4565/20]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The free travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. There are currently approx. 970,000 customers with direct eligibility. In Budget 2019 the funding for the free travel scheme was increased by €5 million to a total of €95 million.

The objective of the free travel scheme is to assist older people and people with disabilities in remaining active within their community. Extending the eligibility of the free travel scheme, to include people who are deemed unsuitable to drive by the national licensing authority due to their level of vision, regardless of whether they receive a payment from my Department, would have to be considered in the overall budgetary context.

If a person is under 66 years of age and permanently living in the State and in receipt of Blind Pension, s/he will automatically qualify for Free Travel. In addition, the person qualifies for a Companion Free Travel Pass.

Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection may award a travel supplement in any case, where the circumstances of the case so warrant. The supplement is intended to assist with ongoing or recurring travel costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary. Every decision is based on consideration of the circumstances of the case, taking account of the nature and extent of the need and of the resources of the person concerned.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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