49 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of people who have availed of cross-Border free travel since its inception; what future plans, if any, he has for this free travel programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1227/96]

The free cross-Border travel scheme was introduced between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in July last year. It is available to passholders in the Republic, their spouses or companions in the case of people holding companion passes, and to Northern Ireland concession travel passholders.

Since the scheme's inception, a total of 118,882 cross-Border trips have been undertaken up to the end of January last at a cost of almost £1.2 million. This includes an estimated 46,000 passengers who have travelled from Northern Ireland to the Republic.