asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will amend the scheme for free travel for persons under pension age so as to enable persons other than spouses to travel free when accompanying the qualifies person.

As I indicated in reply to a previous question, this scheme, among others, is reviewed from time to time in my Department. The question of suitable extensions is a matter to be considered in the context of the annual budget.

Is the Minister aware of the problems that can arise where travel cards are issued to young people who for one reason or another cannot travel on their own? Does the Minister bear in mind that the effect of that situation is that the travel card is useless to the person if somebody cannot travel with him?

I am aware of that. The extension of this facility to the disabled has brought up a number of anomalies in that regard.

Will the Minister look into it, and hopefully, expand it?

Yes.