Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

477. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a provision is in place for widowers who become eligible for free travel to also receive a free pass for a travelling companion, similar to the arrangement for widows; and if not, the rationale behind this discrepancy. [29325/24]

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. This increases to 1.75 million customers when spouses and companions are included. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2024 is €104 million.

A widow, widower or a surviving civil partner aged 60 or over, living in Ireland, can avail of a Free Travel pass, where they are in receipt of a qualifying payment and their late spouse or civil partner had a Free Travel pass.

The companion type travel pass is available for people who are assessed as unfit to travel alone and need to be accompanied by a companion, while satisfying the other conditions of the scheme.

There is no discrepancy in respect of a widow or widower: both applicants are treated the same and eligibility is based on their specific personal circumstances, irrespective of gender.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.