Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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602. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will provide an update on her Department’s consideration of proposals regarding extending free travel eligibility for people with epilepsy who are unable to drive as a result of their condition; if these proposals will be considered in the context of the upcoming budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37240/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, 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 approximately 1,034,000 customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2022 is €95 million.

I am aware of an ongoing campaign by Epilepsy Ireland and recognise the issues and difficulties that can arise due to a person being diagnosed with epilepsy and who are unable to drive as a result of their condition. I have met with representatives of Epilepsy Ireland to discuss its proposal in detail.

Following the meeting, I asked my Department officials to examine the issues raised by Epilepsy Ireland. This work is still ongoing. Further engagement with Epilepsy Ireland will be arranged once this exploratory work has been concluded.

I will carefully consider all submissions in relation to proposals for the forthcoming Budget. The Government has not made any decisions in relation to measures to be introduced in Budget 2023. The Government will finalise its consideration of the Budget in the coming months having regard to all of its commitments. The outcome of this process will be announced on Budget Day.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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603. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for partial capacity benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37244/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I confirm that the person concerned has made an application for Partial Capacity Benefit (PCB) on 22 June 2022. The PCB scheme allows a person who has been in receipt of Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefit (the latter for a minimum of 26 weeks), and who may not have full capacity for work, to enter or return to employment or self-employment and continue to receive a partial or full payment.

This application has been referred for a medical assessment, and when the Medical Assessor's report has been received a decision will be made on the claim and the person concerned will be notified directly in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.