Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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359. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she is aware that children with acute disabilities are not entitled to free public transport. [28927/24]

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 2024 is €104 million. The free travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme.

While my Department does not provide a free travel pass to children with acute disabilities, my Department does provide additional support in the form of the domiciliary care allowance in respect of children under 16 with severe disabilities. The domiciliary care allowance is a monthly payment of €340 to the carer of a child with a disability. The allowance may be used for the additional costs involved in caring for the child and this may include additional transport costs.

Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department 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 person'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.