Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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458. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when she expects her Department to complete exploratory work regarding proposals from an organisation (details supplied); if further meetings on this matter will be arranged before the end of 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53146/22]

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. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. There are approximately 1,047,000 customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2022 is €95 million.

Department officials are currently examining the issues raised by Epilepsy Ireland, along with relevant submissions. This work is still ongoing. I am expecting a report from my officials in the next few weeks and, once this has been completed, further engagement with Epilepsy Ireland.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.