Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

15. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will provide an update on her Department’s review of the extension of the free travel scheme to persons with epilepsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6035/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Free Travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. There are over one million customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2023 is €95 million.

It is important to note that, in general, access to a free travel pass for those aged under 66 is a secondary benefit linked to a person being in receipt of certain primary Social Protection payments such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Blind Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit. As many illnesses or physical conditions have an impacts ranging from mild to severe, entitlement to these social welfare schemes is not provided on the basis of a diagnosis but on the basis of the impact of that diagnosis on the individual concerned and in the case of disability and carers allowance to an assessment of their means. In this way, resources can be targeted to people in most need.

I am aware of an ongoing campaign by Epilepsy Ireland. I fully recognise the issues and difficulties that can arise due to a person being diagnosed with epilepsy and who is unable to drive as a result of their condition.

Following a meeting with representatives of Epilepsy Ireland to discuss its proposal in detail, I asked my Department officials to examine the issues raised in relation to access to the Free Travel scheme.

There are many illness and conditions that affect a person's ability to drive a car, not all of these people however are unable to work nor do all of them face financial hardship. Extending access to State supports simply on the basis of a diagnosis of a specific condition rather than on an assessment of impact or need would represent a fundamental shift in policy and potentially require very significant additional funding not just to fund the service for people with epilepsy but for people with many other conditions. These are matters which need to be considered in light of Epilepsy Ireland's request.

My officials advise me that they are currently finalising the report and I expect to receive it shortly. I will carefully consider its contents and any recommendations that it may contain.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.