1970. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of free travel companion passes that have been automatically issued since its introduction in September 2025; for consideration of expanding this scheme further to include persons 66 and over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55927/26]

In Budget 2025, it was announced that everyone over the age of 70 with an entitlement to Free Travel, would have an entitlement to a Free Travel Companion from September 2025.  As part of this process, from July to October 2025, my Department arranged for the automatic issue of almost 325,000 Free Travel Companion Public Services Cards to those over 70, or those reaching the age of 70 by the end of March 2026, who had a valid single or spouse type Free Travel Public Services Card. For those over 70, or those reaching the age of 70 by the end of March 2026, who held an entitlement to Free Travel but did not have a valid Free Travel Public Services Card, they were issued with a letter advising them to register for, or renew, their Free Travel Public Services Card if they wished to avail of their entitlement to a Free Travel Companion Public Services Card.  In total, over 206,000 letters issued to customers in this cohort and, up to May 2026, over 83,000 of these customers now hold a valid Free Travel Companion Public Services Card.

From April 2026, all Free Travel customers reaching age 70 with a single or spouse entitlement and a valid Free Travel Public Services Card are automatically issued with a Free Travel Companion Public Services Card.  All Free Travel customers whose Free Travel Public Services Cards are expiring are issued with a communication 45 days in advance of the expiry date advising them to renew their Public Services Card.  For those over age 70, or those reaching age 70, who do renew their expired Free Travel Public Services Card, they are automatically issued with a Free Travel Companion Public Services Card.

For those under the age of 70 the type of Free Travel Public Services Card a person receives from my Department is based on their circumstances.

A spousal type Free Travel Public Services Card is available to Free Travel recipients who are married, in a civil partnership or co-habiting.  This card allows a person’s spouse or partner to join them for free when travelling.

A Free Travel Companion Public Services Card is only issued to those aged under 70 who on account of their disability, are unable to travel alone.  A person between 66 and 70, who is unable to travel alone can of course apply for Free Travel Companion. If their application is approved, a Free Travel Companion Public Services Card will be issued to them.

Any decision to extend the Free Travel scheme to allow those aged between 66 and 70 to automatically receive a Free Travel Companion Public Services Card would require additional funding for the Free Travel scheme and would have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary negotiations and the availability of financial resources.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.