People who have never been able to drive due to a disability, or those who hold a driver’s license but are deemed not fit to drive for 12 months or more can now avail of the free travel pass scheme.
The scheme was already available to those aged 66 years and older who are living in Ireland and allows passengers to travel on all public transport owned by the state, free of charge.
The measure was introduced as part of Budget 2024 and will be the first time someone not in receipt of a Pension or qualifying Social Welfare Payment can avail of the scheme.
It is understood more than 30,000 people are set to benefit for the change.
Speaking at Connolly Station following the launch, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys expressed her delight at being able to introduce the changes.
‘This will benefit people with a range of disabilities and conditions which means they are unable to drive,’ she said ‘It will give people more independence so they can commute to work and go about their daily lives without having to worry about additional transport costs or relying on somebody else to give them a lift.’
Minister Humphreys commended Epilepsy Ireland, who had been campaigning for the change.
Advocacy and Communications Manager at Epilepsy Ireland, Paddy McGeoghegan said the change in the scheme marked ‘the end of what has been a longstanding campaign’ by the charity.
He said: ‘Over the past few weeks, it has been heartening to receive messages from people with epilepsy who have received their approval for the extended scheme, telling us how much this new measure means to them.
‘It is a measure that extends far beyond the epilepsy community as well and will assist thousands of others who may experience driving restrictions due to a medical condition or disability.’
