Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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381. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the supports in place for adults in rural communities who receive a diagnosis of epilepsy and automatically lose their licence until being seizure-free for one year; if the Government is considering an automatic entitlement to free travel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6424/23]

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. 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 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 Carer's Allowance, subject 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.

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.

With regard to financial supports, the Department of Social Protection provides Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who have an urgent need, which they cannot meet from their own resources. These payments are available through our Community Welfare Officers and include help towards recurring travel costs that cannot be met from the person's own resources and are deemed to be necessary.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.