– 25,000 people in Cavan/Monaghan would be affected by any charge –
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth says her party will oppose any attempt by the Government to place a charge on the Free Travel Pass. She was responding to a Department of Social Protection report, which proposes a €50 annual charge for people in receipt of the Free Travel Pass.
“The Free Travel Pass is a core social protection benefit, which has ensured that older people and people with disabilities have access to free travel on public transport in their communities and across the country for over 40 years. This enables people to retain their independence and go about their business without having to rely on family members or neighbours to get from A to B.
“There are around 25,000 people across Cavan and Monaghan who currently hold a Free Travel Pass and all efforts must be made to ensure that it remains a free entitlement. A €50 charge goes against the very principle of free travel and would place another unfair cost on older people and people with a disability. This proposal must be avoided at all costs.
“Fianna Fáil brought in the Free Travel Pass in the late 1960s and we will vigorously oppose any charge.
“Minister Varadkar must allay the fears of people who are now worried about a €50 charge by categorically ruling out any attempts to bring in a fee”.
To the Minister for Social Protection
To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in counties Cavan and Monaghan that have the free travel pass and the year they obtained it in, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Niamh Smyth.
* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 24th January, 2017.
Dear Deputy Smyth,
I refer to your Parliamentary Question Ref No. 2856/17 regarding the number of people who hold a free travel pass in in counties Cavan and Monaghan and the year they obtained it.
Figures available for the end of December 2016 show that approximately 13,500 people in County Cavan and 11,500 in County Monahan hold a free travel pass.
Unfortunately the information requested as regards the year they obtained the Free Travel pass is not available.