2100. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Social Protection the total cost of the free travel scheme for the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026. [63853/26]

The Free Travel scheme is available to people over 66 years and to people in receipt of certain social welfare payments, or those medically certified as unfit to drive for a period of at least 12 months, who are over 17 and under 66 years. Free Travel recipients must be permanently resident in the State. The scheme permits travel for free on most CIE public transport services, Luas, Local Link and some 71 private operators. Free travel is also available on cross border journeys to and from Northern Ireland, and for those over age 66, within Northern Ireland.

The table below details the total cost of the Free Travel scheme for the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.