Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:691. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the decision to revoke the free travel scheme for a person (details supplied). [3013/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 5 February 2025
Ceisteanna (691)
Freagraí scríofa
Under the Make Work Pay initiative, persons whose disability related social protection payment ceases due to taking up employment, may retain their entitlement to Free Travel for a period of 5 years after their disability payment has ceased. The entitlement of the person concerned to Free Travel was linked to their former entitlement to Disability Allowance, which ceased in November 2019. As the 5 year period has now expired, the person's entitlement to Free Travel was terminated in November 2024.
In Budget 2024, a significant extension to the Free Travel scheme was announced for people who are medically certified as unfit to drive for a period of at least 12 months.
From 29th of July 2024, the measure extends access to the Free Travel scheme to:
• People who have never been medically fit to drive due to a disability; and
• Drivers who have a license and have been deemed medically unfit to drive for a period of at least 12 months.
The person concerned was advised of the above extension to the Free Travel scheme as part of the Free Travel termination letter which issued in November 2024. The appropriate application form was also enclosed with the letter. There is no record of this application form having been returned to the Department by the person concerned.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.